Reuss, Principality. An Infanterie-Regiment 96 Officer’s Pickelhaube

(Reuss Pickelhaube für Offiziere der Infanterie-Regiment 96). An Officer’s Pickelhaube from 2. Bataillon, Infanterie-Regiment 96 (Reuss), 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 gilded brass plate in the form of a Prussian imperial eagle clutching an orb and sceptre, overlaid by a banner bearing an inscription of “MIT GOTT FÜR KOENIG UND VATERLAND” (“WITH GOD FOR KING AND FATHERLAND”), in turn overlaid by a wreathed and crowned Reuss coat of arms situated atop an eight-pointed radiant starburst. The plate measures 13.5 cm (w) x 10.5 cm (h) overall. It is flanked by brass studs which secure in place a multi-piece chinstrap consisting of a padded leather base topped by gilded brass scales which taper towards the centre, where the strap closes with a prong. Secured in place beneath the studs are brass cockades, with the left side painted in a Reuss black and red motif, while the right side is painted in a red, white, and black Imperial tri-colour motif. The exterior features are completed by a protruding boiled and blackened leather visor, with the rim reinforced by a gilded bronze bar. The interior demonstrates the remnants of a black leather liner, while the crown is stamped with an illegible maker’s mark. The Pickelhaube measures approximately 17 cm (w) x 24.5 cm (l) x 22 cm (h) (inclusive of spike). Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include fatigue of the shell, minor tarnishing of the brass features, and significant deterioration of the interior liner with crude tape repairs. It is in an overall very fine condition.