Bavarian Field Police Enlisted Model 1873

Bavarian Army Field Police - Enlisted Man Model 1873. From the Rich Ames Collection. Very tall black lacquered leather helmet body patterned after the earlier Raupenhelm with brass metal trim. Rare first pattern Bavarian leather spiked helmet as described in, Die Helme der Konigliche Bayerisches Armee 1806-1918 by Gerd Schulz, page 74-76. The helmet body has perfect form with bright external lacquer. Firm stitching and no extra holes in the helmet body. The helmet liner is leather with drawstring. No markings in the helmet body. The frontplate is the classic Bavarian style with the motto "In Treue Fest". Equilateral brass spike base with smooth spike and round retainers. On each side of helmet is mounted with a Lion head holding a ring in its mouth. Rounded chinscales are affixed to the ring. On the left side of the helmet, a Bavarian cockade is affixed to the helmet body between the Lion Head and the edge of the spike base. Stunning helmet is beautiful condition. Rare first Bavarian use of the Prussian style spiked helmet. Bargain price.