Imperial Hannoverian 165th Infantry Regiment Officer Pickelhaube

Product Description:  A fine Imperial Hannoverian Officer Pickelhaube of the 165th Infantry Regiment, Model 1897 pattern, constructed to full officer standards and retaining its original fire-gilded trim and fittings.

The helmet body is of black lacquered leather with a rounded front visor, displaying excellent form and firm stitching throughout. The lacquer remains strong with only light age crazing and two small presser marks to the rear, but without any lacquer loss. The shell is free of extra holes, ensuring originality. Interior features include officer-grade soft leather sweatband and silk headliner, both showing honest age and use. As correct for officer issue, the visors are lined green to the front and red to the rear.

All exterior fittings are of high-quality fire-gilded metal, completely matching in tone and never polished, leaving the original luster intact. The rounded spike base is fitted with the officer’s pearl ring and retains its spike top, secured with gilt star retainers on threaded posts. The large frontplate is executed in frosted gilt and features the Baden-style Griffin, proudly surmounted with the regimental “Waterloo” banner, a distinctive mark of the Hannoverian 165th Infantry Regiment and its celebrated battle honors. The plate is secured with the proper screw-back retainers.

Finishing details include rounded gilt chinscales mounted to officer rosettes, along with the correct two-piece Reichs cockade and state cockade. The fire gilding across all components remains untouched and highly attractive, providing a uniform golden appearance throughout.

This Imperial Hannoverian 165th Infantry Regiment Officer Pickelhaube, Model 1897 is a textbook example, entirely original and free from later alteration or restoration. Its untouched fire gilding, complete officer-quality interior, and well-preserved lacquered body make it a standout piece. The regimental “Waterloo” banner further elevates its desirability, connecting the helmet directly to one of Germany’s most storied infantry regiments. A choice example, ideally suited for the advanced Imperial German headgear collection.

Historical Description: The Imperial German Pickelhaube is one of the most recognizable military helmets in history, originally introduced in 1842 by King Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia. Made of black lacquered leather with metal fittings, its most distinctive feature is the spike mounted on top, initially intended to deflect saber blows. The front plate, or wappen, typically features the Prussian eagle or other state emblems, varying by region and military branch. These helmets were worn by infantry, cavalry, artillery, and police units throughout the German Empire.

Pickelhauben came in both enlisted and officer variations, with officer models being more ornate—often featuring taller spikes, silver or gilt trim, and lined interiors. Cockades on either side of the helmet denoted the wearer’s national and state allegiance. Though visually impressive, the helmet proved less practical in modern warfare, leading to its gradual replacement by the Stahlhelm during World War I. Today, the Pickelhaube remains a striking symbol of Imperial Germany’s military tradition and is highly valued by collectors for its craftsmanship and historical significance.

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