BACKGROUND: The distinctive Prussian heavy cavalry, (Kürassier), helmet was first introduced on February 22^nd 1843, and underwent modifications in 1853, 1862, 1867, 1889, 1894, and 1915, before being discontinued during WWI.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: This helmet started as an M1867, and would have been modified several times to extend its service life. The most noticeable modifications are the addition of the M1889 visor and the M91 side posts. Multi-piece construction helmet features a large rounded body with an M1889 front visor and extended, triple scale, lobster-tail rear visor. Both front and rear visor are trimmed in natural brass to outer edges and rear visor has the addition of eleven, evenly spaced, brass retaining rivets. Stamped brass, "foot troop" (which is common for these) helmet plate (wappen) features the crowned Prussian eagle with upswept wings, clutching a royal scepter and a royal orb with embossed royal cypher, "FR", to breast for Friedrich Rex, (King Friedrich), and an embossed scripted banner superimposed on its wings and breast. Banner is scripted, "Mit Gott Für Koenig und Vaterland" (With God for King and Fatherland). Helmet plate is attached by two threaded screw posts which extend into the interior of the helmet through corresponding holes to helmet’s front. Crown of helmet features a pointed tip, oval, brass spike base with integral spike neck and removable polished steel spike. Spike is inserted into the opened top of the spike neck and has two cut-out circular ventilation holes. Reverse of crown has an embossed vertical strength reinforcement spine running from the spike base to the edge of the upper rear visor lobster-tail scale. 1894 pattern, convexed, tapered, brass chinscales with blackened leather backstrap to reverse is secured to the helmet by M91 side posts. Leather backstrap has a small brass buckle enabling it to be functional as a chinstrap. Korkarden are replacement/copies. Interior of helmet with blackened leather, eight finger liner. Liner is in excellent condition with no rips or tears. Exterior of helmet shows light age spotting and tarnish and has a few small dings. Reverse of the helmet has one large ding (also look to be a sabre hit) and one puncture hole into the tail area. Overall very nice period example that saw lots of period use.

GRADE ***3/4                             PRICE $2,439.00