German, Prussian M1860 Field Artillery Enlisted Kugelhelm
This item is listed for historical interest only. It was listed on our site previously but has been sold and is no longer available for purchase.
Sold for: $1005.00

Original era manufacture. Massive pattern enlisted helmet adopted in 1860, worn throughout the wars of unification; 1864, 1866 and 1870. This model was replaced in 1867 by a very scaled-down version, of, in my opinion, a very inferior design, which in turn was replaced in 1871 by a return to a more robust service helmet. Square cut front visor with secure brass trim, large Garde pattern enlisted eagle wappen, cruciform spike base, curved brass chinscales and a single kokarde, large pattern in the black-white colors of Prussia. The rear spine is unique to the 1860 pattern helmet, having two brass domed rivets which secure the spine to the helmet body.No extra holes behind the wappen which is secured to the helmet by two square-cut nuts. Steel reinforcement plate on the underside of the spike base, secured by three square-cut nuts, the front rivet is a replacement.The body of the helmet is quite sound, both visors are securely attached to the body, with a nice gloss patina to the helmet's surface, bubbling to the finish on the front visor. There are a few dents in the body on the rear, with a thin cut in the surface on the right side of the brass spine. The original leather liner is basically intact, with most of the original leather adjusting tie present, a few of the fingers have pulled through.The rounded chin-scales are near complete; the right side is all there, including most of the leather extension which would fit under the wearers chin, the right side is missing the end plate which connects to the right, and the metal securing buckle for the leather portion of the strap.The spike base is missing the rounded finial of the artillery, it is however threaded to accept a parade trichter, as worn by Garde field artillery regiments.Overall, a very sound, and near complete helmet; certainly worthy of a light restoration with the addition of the missing pieces.