Hessen 117th Leib Infantry Officers Pickelhaube

Hessen Leib Regiment (3rd Grand Ducal Hessen – Nr. 117) for the Grand Duchess of Hessen – Reserve Officer Model 1897. Black lacquered leather helmet body with gilded brass trim. Exterior leather finish is matte with age but overall in very good condition. The is a thumb sized bruise on the right back (see photo). The visor stitching is firm and no extra holes in the helmet body. All metal trim has not been cleaned or polished. The trim also has even patina throughout. Interior has leather sweat leather and silk headliner. The silk headliner shows use but is in good condition.

The helmet has an equal sided crossed spiked base with no officer ornamentation around base. Very tall Hessen style fluted spike that is removable (see photo). Rounded front visor trim. The frontplate is the Hessen Lion holding an upward sword with the banners “1697” and !897” commemorating the 200th anniversary of the founding of the regiment. On the lower side of the frontplate is the reserve cross. The frontplate is held to the helmet body with screw attachments. The backspine is the traditional Hessen style with rivet on the spine. Rounded chinscales on rosettes. Officers Reich and Hessen cockades. Fine conditioned and rare Lifeguard Regiment of Hessen Reserve Officer helmet.