Saxon Thuringian 153rd Infantry Regiment model 1895 enlisted man’s pickelhaube. The 153rd Regiment was from the Saxe-Altenburg duchy in Thuringia. Fine black leather helmet body with brass trim. Helmet body is in excellent form, lacquer with only minor flaws. Both visor with good stitching. The black leather tongue style liner is still supple and there are no pull-throughs on the drawstring holes. No extra holes in helmet body. Prewar quality brass trim. Enlisted style spike top that does not untwist. Original brass brads holding base to helmet body.
The frontplate is the Prussian style brass eagle but rather than “Mit Gott für König (king) und Vaterland” the banner reads “Mit Gott für Fuerst (prince or sovereign) und Vaterland” which is correct for a duchy like Saxe-Altenburg versus a kingdom like Prussia. Mounted on the eagle front plate is a silver star and Saxon crest surround on both sides by laurel leaves. The frontplate is secured to helmet body by leather pieces which appear original. The rear visor is nicely marked “I.R. 153” and “E.R.” which stands for “Ersatz Regiment.” The ersatz regiments were initially meant to train and supply replacements for active regiments although many were upgraded from training units to active service during the war. The “B.A. IV” stamp on stands for Bekleidungsamt IV, indicating the helmet was inspected and issued by the 4th Clothing Depot (Clothing Depot/Army Corps District IV). This is the correct army corps district for I.R. 153. This helmet is in excellent condition. It is clearly dated “1916” and this correct as the Germans continued to use brass trim on pickelhaubes until they used up existing stocks. It is a beautiful example of a rare regimental helmet.
$1,295
Steel Helmets of the World Wars 