Germany, Weimar Republic. A Württemberg Fire Brigade Officer’s Pickelhaube

(Württemberg Pickelhaube für Feuerwehr-Offiziere). A well-preserved Free People’s State of Württemberg Fire Brigade Officer’s Pickelhaube, constructed of a lacquered black vulcanfibre shell. The crown is topped by cross-shaped replacement silvered brass fixture, with a sphere of identical construction emanating from the centrepiece and situated securely within a bowl of oak leaves. A silvered brass bar extends from the back of the fixture and continues down the side of the shell, where it terminates at the edge of a blackened leather neck guard. Riveted to the peak is a silvered brass insignia consisting of a bed of oak leaves, topped by a helmet, and overlaid by an enameled Free People’s State of Württemberg coat of arms (as used from 1918-1945), in turn set above crossed axes and a banner bearing an inscription of “GOTT ZUR EHR DEM NACHSTEN ZUR WEHR” (“GOD TO HONOUR, NEIGHBOUR TO PROTECT”). The peak insignia measures 84 mm (w) x 95 mm (h). It is flanked by dual silvered brass discs which sit atop rivets that accommodate a multi-piece chinstrap, consisting of a black leather base topped by silvered brass chinscales which cascade toward the centre, where the two lengths fasten together with a prong. The exterior features are completed with a boiled blackened leather visor, trimmed along the edge with a silvered brass reinforcement. The interior features a black leather liner culminating in nine fingers, each perforated with an eyelet through which is looped a drawstring. It is unmarked with the exception of a black ink size mark of “56” on one of the fingers. The Pickelhaube measures approximately 19 cm (w) x 24 cm (l) x 11 cm (h) (exclusive of ball). In addition to the replaced and mis-matched crown fixture the Pickelhaube demonstrates minor issues consistent with age and wear, including loosening of the peak insignia and material fatigue of the leather elements. It remains in a very fine condition.