Prussia, Kingdom. A Landerwehr Officer’s Pickelhaube

(Preußen Pickelhaube für einen Reserveoffizier). A well-preserved Prussian Landwehr Officer’s Pickelhaube, constructed of a boiled and blackened leather shell. Situated atop the crown is a gilded brass spike perforated around the neck with ventilation holes, and which is secured in place with a cross-shaped gilded brass baseplate with four rivets. A bar of identical construction emanates from the back of the baseplate and extends down to a boiled and blackened leather neck guard. Riveted to the peak is an insignia consisting of a gilded brass plate in the form of a Prussian eagle clutching a sword and sceptre, overlaid by a central silvered eight-pointed starburst, in turn bearing a Cross Pattée with an inscription of “MIT GOTT FÜR KÖNIG UND VATERLAND” (“WITH GOD FOR KING AND FATHERLAND”). The plate measures 17.5 cm (w) x 10 cm (h) overall. It is flanked by flattened and rounded gilded brass rivets which secure in place an original multi-piece chinstrap, consisting of a black leather base topped by brass scales which taper towards the centre where it locks with a buckle and prong. Situated beneath the studs are non-magnetic metal cockades, with the left side painted in an Imperial red, white, and black colour scheme, while the right side is painted in a black and white Prussian motif. The exterior features are completed with a protruding boiled and blackened leather visor, reinforced along the rim with a gilded brass bar. The interior retains a multi-piece liner consisting of a black leather sweatband with scalloped edges, with a partially-intact dark brown cotton liner encompassing the crown. Unmarked, the Pickelhaube measures approximately 18.5 cm (w) x 25 cm (l) x 22 cm (h) (inclusive of spike). Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include slight material fatigue to the shell and other leather elements, spots of tarnish to the brass fixtures, and some stripping of the threading of the spike’s lug which leaves it liable to detachment. The Pickelhaube is in an overall near extremely fine condition.