An exceptional, highly original example of an Imperial German Model 1895/1914 transitional spiked helmet (Pickelhaube) issued to a Non-Commissioned Officer within a Bavarian Line Infantry Regiment.
The helmet features a beautifully preserved, robust blackened boiled leather body (Helmspinne) showing a fine, honest age-crazing profile and entirely sound structural integrity. The front of the helmet features a spectacular, untouched gilt brass Bavarian front plate, prominently displaying the rampant twin-lion supported shield of the Kingdom of Bavaria above the standard military motto banner, "In Treue Fest" (Steadfast in Loyalty).
The top of the helmet features a classic infantry spike mounted on a round brass base plate with a post-1887 NCO pearl-ring collar. The base plate is securely retained by three out of four original brass split-shank studs. Running down the rear is the crisp, fully functional Model 1895 brass ventilation spine with its original sliding shutter handle intact.
Both correct regional cockades are present and properly positioned: the Imperial German National cockade rests on the wearer's right side, and the Bavarian State cockade rests on the wearer's left side. Both show wonderful, authentic paint stabilization and wear. A highly desirable, authentic Model 1914 twin-buckle leather chinstrap is correctly routed across the front brim.
The interior remains in excellent, unmanipulated condition, retaining its original multi-tongued black leather scalloped liner assembly. An outstanding, field-weight artifact from the opening months of the Great War, showing an incredibly consistent and matching patina across all brass components.
Very good to excellent overall antique condition. The leather shell remains firm with no collapsing or major shrinkage. Brass fittings retain a rich, uncleaned original honey-colored patina. The spike base is missing one of its four retaining studs, but remains firmly anchored to the crown. The leather chinstrap shows light surface cracking and is torn at the right side anchor but remains flexible. The interior liner is complete with typical field wear; drawstring is present but broken.
Size XS or 6 5/8.
