Prussia, Kingdom. An Officer's Pickelhaube, Füsilier-Regiment Königin Viktoria von Schweden (Pommersches) Nr. 34

(Preußen Pickelhaube für einen Offizier im Füsilier-Regiment Königin Viktoria von Schweden [Pommersches] Nr. 34). A well-preserved Pickelhaube for an Officer of Füsilier-Regiment Königin Viktoria von Schweden (Pommersches) Nr. 34, constructed of a boiled and blackened leather shell. Situated atop the crown is a gilded brass metal spike perforated around the neck with ventilation holes, and which is secured in place with a baseplate featuring four rivets in the form of eight-pointed stars. 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 a gilded brass insignia consisting of a Prussian imperial eagle clutching an orb and sceptre, overlaid by banners bearing an inscription of “MIT GOTT FÜR KOENIG UND VATERLAND” (“WITH GOD FOR KING AND FATHERLAND), as well as a unit dedication. The plate measures 12 cm (w) x 9.5 cm (h). It is flanked by brass studs which accommodate a multi-piece chinstrap consisting of a padded blackened leather base topped by gilded brass scales which taper towards the centre, which locks in place with a post emanating from the right side of the strap. Secured in place beneath the studs are magnetic metal cockades, with the left side consisting of a black base with a silvered ring substituting the white of a Prussian colour scheme, while the right side has a red, silver, and black Imperial motif. The exterior features are completed with a protruding boiled and blackened leathervisor, trimmed along the rim with a gilded brass reinforcement. The interior is surrounded by a brown leather sweatband with a scalloped edge, and bears illegible handwritten inscriptions distributed around the crown. The Pickelhaube measures approximately 17.5 cm (w) x 25.5 cm (l) x 23 cm (h) (inclusive of spike). Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include moderate material fatigue to the leather of the shell, chinstrap, and sweatband, in addition to minor tarnishing of the brass features and some distortion of the shell structure. The Pickelhaube remains in an overall very fine condition.