Model 1843 Prussian Cuirassier Enlisted Pickelhaube

A splendid example of the tall, conical model 1843 Prussian pickelhaube for a cuirassier. The helmet has the stepped front visor trimmed in brass that is surmounted by a brass fish scale chin strap. The brass Prussian eagle front plate is held tightly to the helmet by two screw posts with original nuts. The Prussian black and silver cockade is present while the national colors cockade is missing. The non-removable spike is steel on a ventilated brass stem that sits atop an oval brass base. The rear visor plates are secured with domed brass rivets. The interior leather liner is complete and intact, although it lacks the draw string. The brass components are toned with patina, and the steel helmet body shows the expected light dings, gray patina, and some very small areas with light surface rust. The helmet would probably be accurately described as being in an “untouched” state, since it does not appear that the helmet has been cleaned or, indeed, altered in any way, for probably a century. A careful cleaning of the helmet is in order, and would likely make this helmet appear as the remarkable museum piece that it is.