Germany, Imperial. A Model 1915 Jäger zu Pferde Officer’s Pickelhaube, by C.E. Juncker

(Pickelhaube für Jäger zu Pferde). A well-preserved Model 1915 Jäger zu Pferde (Mounted Rifles) Officer’s Pickelhaube, constructed of a blued magnetic steel shell. It features a protruding lobster tail-style neck guard which descends from the back and flares outward, and is in turn riveted with nine bronze studs. Secured to the crown with four rivets is a bronze baseplate in the form of four petals, in turn topped by a tapering spike featuring four ventilation holes set into the lower circumference, measuring 95 mm in height from base to tip. The peak bears a gilded bronze insignia consisting of a crowned Prussian imperial eagle clutching a sword and sceptre, and overlaid by a banner bearing an inscription of “MITT GOT FÜR KOENIG UND VATERLAND” (“WITH GOD FOR KING AND FATHERLAND”). The eagle insignia measures 125 mm (w) x 120 mm (h). It is flanked on each side by gilded bronze studs securing in place a two-piece chinstrap consisting of a blackened leather base topped by gilded bronze scales which taper in width from the rivets to the centre, where the straps fasten together with a functional clip. Completing the exterior features is a bronze reinforcing bar which fully trims the rim. Stamped onto the reverse of the bar is a unit mark of “8. J. P.”, indicating that the Pickelhaube was issued to an Officer of Jäger Regiment zu Pferde Nr. 8 (8th Mounted Rifles), as well as a size mark of “57”. The interior features a partially-intact black leather liner in the form of eight fingers perforated at the top by eyelets through which was looped a drawstring which has since been lost to time. Stamped onto the interior of the shell at the crown is a maker’s mark of “C.E. JUNCKER” and a manufacture date of “1915”. It measures approximately 185 mm (w) x 300 mm (l) x 170 mm (h) (exclusive of spike). The shell demonstrates minor, sporadic denting and loss of finish, with significant material fatigue evident to leather chinstrap and liner. It is in an overall better than very fine condition.