Wwi em spiked helmet

[AndyM35]

Hi all,

I’m after some opinions on this Imperial EM spiked helmet. The chinstrap and buckles are obviously reproductions and the spike base is missing a pin. I’m a little perplexed with the rough leather on the front visor as this effect Ive most often encountered on the rear visor. Due to the condition of the shell I feel the cockades may not be original to the helmet. Interior looks nice and original, is stamped but could do with some minor restoration to the loose bit of leather.

I feel that this one might be a bit cobbled together but would welcome any opinions.

Thanks,
Andy

[BlackCat1982]

The wear to the inside looks quite convincing but the exterior looks like it's a modern copy. I can't see anyone placing such an ugly chinstrap onto an original Pickelhaube.

[AndyM35]

BlackCat, I know what you mean. I don’t know enough about these to know much but my gut feeling says the components are not all original to the helmet.

Thanks for the comments.
Andy

[Chopperman]

I'm no expert but the only issue I see with this one is the cheap
reproduction chin strap.

[AndyM35]

Thanks Greg! Yes, the chinstrap is bad but with a nice original one this could be OK. I believe that some of the straps that went into the steel helmets were ex haube straps. Still hard to find though.

[Kryton]

Different leather will react differently when stored in humid conditions . I think its all real but someone has got a bit carried away with the black polish. Rob

[AZPhil]

Not a Haubemister myself, But it looks OK to me. The slight shrinkage has caused a gap between the brass visor trim and the leather, The rear airvent also has the same spaceing seen on mine and others viewed. Looking at the inside/liner area everything looks exactly like my M1895 Baden haube. The Kokardes have age and look original. I have seen the krinkle on visors of others. Not sure of the cause.

But they do make excellent reproduction and also currently used by south american countries.
So just my 2 centavos on the matter.

Possibly send Leon a PM and have him take a look. Now he is Das Huabemister!

Semper Fi
Phil

[AndyM35]

Thanks for the replies Kryton and Phil.

My main concern was how the front visor was so dried compared to the main body but it does happen. I have the exact same on one of my other Haubes.

Will try contacting Leon.

[werwolf12]

It's still a cool helmet, I would love to have it myself.

[AZPhil]

Your quite welcome Sir!
May I ask how the wappen is attached?

A loop with leather retaining strip or with the wappen threaded stud and a nut?


Semper Fi
Phil