Oldenburg, Grand Duchy. A Model 1895 Enlisted Personnel Pickelhaube

(Oldenburg Pickelhaube M1895 für Mannschaften). A well-preserved Oldenburg Model 1895 Enlisted personnel 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 baseplate featuring four rivets. A bar of identical construction emanates from the back of the baseplate and extends down to a boiled blackened leather neck guard. Riveted to the peak is an insignia consisting of a silvered brass plate in the form of a Prussian imperial eagle clutching an orb and sceptre, and overlaid by an Oldenburg coat of arms, measuring 13 cm (w) x 10 cm (h). It is flanked by brass studs which accommodate an intact black leather chinstrap which is adjusted with dual brass buckles. Secured in place beneath the studs are magnetic metal cockades, with the left side featuring a blue and red Oldenburg colour scheme, and the left finished in a red, white, and black Imperial tri-colour motif. Completing the exterior features is a protruding boiled and blackened leather visor, reinforced along the rim with a brass bar. The interior retains a black leather liner, which culminates in nine fingers, each perforated at the top with eyelets through which was looped a drawstring that has been lost to time. Unmarked, the Pickelhaube measures 17.5 cm (w) x 22 mm (l) x 24 cm (h) (inclusive of spike). Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include minor fatigue of the shell, moderate deterioration of the chinstrap and interior liner, and slight tarnishing of the brass. This complete helmet remains in an overall better than very fine condition.