Prussia, Kingdom. A Grenadier Officer’s Pickelhaube

(Preußen Pickelhaube für einen Offizier im Grenadier-Regiment). A well-preserved Prussian Grenadier 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 baseplate featuring four rivets. A bar of identical construction emanates from the back of the plate 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 imperial eagle with an outstretched wingspan, clutching a sword and sceptre, and overlaid by a banner bearing an inscription of “MIT GOTT FÜR KOENIG UND VATERLAND” (“WITH GOD FOR KING AND FATHERLAND”), measuring 17 cm (w) x 10 cm (h) overall. It is flanked by magnetic metal studs which secure in place a multi-piece chinstrap consisting of a black leather base topped by gilded brass scales which taper towards the centre, where it locks with a prong. Situated beneath the studs are cockades constructed of magnetic metal, with the left side painted in a Prussian black and white motif, while the right side is painted in an Imperial red, white, and black tri-colour scheme. 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 the remnants of a black leather liner which culminates in nine fingers, each perforated at the top with an eyelet to accommodate a drawstring which has been lost to time. Unmarked, the Pickelhaube measures approximately 20 cm (w) x 26 cm (l) x 24 cm (h) (inclusive of spike). Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include material fatigue of the shell and other leather elements, partial detachment of the interior liner, minor tarnishing of the metal fixtures, and some distortion of the structure. It is in an overall very fine condition.