*Imperial German, Dated 1890, Prussian Other Ranks Pickelhaube, Named Example, Small*
An original Imperial German enlisted man’s Pickelhaube (spiked helmet) for infantry, dated 1890, with regimental and corps markings, and retaining its soldier’s name label. Constructed in blackened leather with gilt brass fittings, including a tall fixed spike, gilt back spine, and gilt front plate displaying the crowned Prussian eagle with “FR” cypher and motto “Mit Gott für König und Vaterland”. Fitted with both correct side cockades: the Prussian state cockade in black and white, and the national cockade in red, white, and black. Black leather chinstrap with brass fittings is present.
This example has been nicely cleaned and renovated for display without detracting from its original features, ensuring the fittings present brightly while the authenticity of the liner and markings remains intact.
The interior retains its original multi-tongued leather liner and sweatband. The underside of the rear visor bears regimental markings: boxed Roman numeral III (III. Army Corps), “101” (likely 1st Battalion, 101st Infantry Regiment), and a large red date stamp “1890”. A surviving paper name label is pasted inside, inscribed “Gefreiter Schmidt” (Corporal Schmidt), a rare and desirable feature linking the helmet directly to its wearer.
History Note:
The Pickelhaube was first adopted in 1842 under King Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia and soon became the defining symbol of Imperial German forces. Helmets of this form were worn by enlisted men and NCOs in line infantry regiments across the Prussian Army. By the 1890s, Pickelhauben were standard issue, their leather bodies fitted with brass or gilt metal mounts. This example predates the First World War by over two decades but would have remained in service until superseded by the all-metal M1915 fittings and later replaced by the Stahlhelm in 1916.
The 101st Infantry Regiment (2. Kurhessisches) was part of the III. Army Corps (III. Armee-Korps), headquartered in Berlin. Helmets named and regimentally stamped to identifiable units are increasingly scarce, offering collectors a direct link to Imperial German line infantry service before 1914.
*Condition*
The helmet remains in very good overall condition, with the blackened leather shell solid and free from major splits or cracks, showing only light surface wear consistent with age. The gilt brass fittings, including the spike, front plate, and trim, have been nicely cleaned and renovated without detracting from the original features, leaving them bright and presentable for display. Both the Prussian state and national cockades are present and well preserved, and the black leather chinstrap is intact. Inside, the original multi-tongued leather liner is worn and softened from use but remains complete, with clear regimental stamps to the rear visor and a red ink date of 1890. A particularly desirable feature is the surviving paper name label, inscribed “Gefreiter Schmidt”, which, though partly worn, is still legible and adds strong personal provenance. Overall, this is a very attractive and display-ready example of a Prussian Other Ranks Pickelhaube. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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