Prussian Grenadier-Regiment Nr. 4 Officer’s Pickelhaube, 1626–1914

This outstanding officer’s Pickelhaube represents the venerable Grenadier-Regiment König Friedrich der Große (3. Ostpreußisches) Nr. 4, one of the most historic infantry formations of the Imperial Prussian Army. The regiment traced its origins to 1626, making it among the oldest active military units in Europe, and during the Kaiserzeit it was stationed at Rastenburg in East Prussia, within the I. Armeekorps. The regiment’s honored title commemorated King Frederick the Great, whose military legacy embodied the martial spirit of Old Prussia.

The helmet itself conforms to the officer’s model introduced circa 1911–1914, when the Grenadier regiments adopted the Grenadier Eagle pattern in place of earlier heraldic types. The eagle plate is executed in finely gilded metal, featuring outstretched wings and the central cypher “FWR” (Friedrich Wilhelm Rex), honoring King Frederick William I. Across its breast runs the familiar scroll “MIT GOTT FÜR KOENIG UND VATERLAND” (“With God for King and Fatherland”). Beneath the eagle’s claws, the sword and scepter are sculpted with precise attention to detail—the sword’s hilt showing the distinctive reverse S-curve characteristic of the Grenadier pattern. This differentiates it from the Guard Eagle, whose scepter terminates in a miniature eagle rather than the pinecone finial seen here.

The helmet body is constructed of polished black lacquered leather with gilt brass trim throughout, including the officer’s spike, pearl ring, and cruciform base. The front visor is trimmed in bright gilt, while the rear visor bears matching metal edging. Side posts secure gilt chinscales on rosettes, mounted with correct Reich and Prussian officer kokarden. The spike itself is tall and elegantly fluted—a hallmark of prewar officer production. Inside, the helmet retains its complete russet-brown silk liner and supple leather sweatband, both of fine quality and free of tears or repairs. The helmet shows only mild surface aging to the lacquer—consistent with its age—and a rich, even toning to the gilt finish.

Historically, Grenadier-Regiment Nr. 4 held a place of exceptional prestige. It was designated a “Königsregiment” (King’s Regiment) and frequently attended ceremonial parades at Königsberg and Berlin. During the Great War, the regiment served within the 1. Infanterie-Division, fighting on the Eastern Front in East Prussia, Poland, and later in the Baltic campaigns. Its lineage stretched unbroken through centuries of Prussian service—from the Thirty Years’ War, the Seven Years’ War, and the Napoleonic campaigns to the triumphs of 1870–71 and the mobilization of 1914.

From a collector’s perspective, this example illustrates the peak of Imperial Prussian helmet manufacture just before the war. The Grenadier Eagle variant, while resembling the Guard pattern, is significantly rarer and often misunderstood. Its correct features—the reverse S-hilt sword, solid tail feather grouping, and pinecone-tipped scepter—mark this as a genuine Grenadier officer plate rather than a postwar reproduction or misattributed Guard example.

Condition is very fine to excellent, with original components throughout and no extra holes. The finish exhibits an attractive, lightly mellowed gilt surface and crisp detail to every chased element of the eagle. The interior remains remarkably clean. A scarce and handsome representative of one of Prussia’s oldest regiments, this Pickelhaube stands as a tribute to the enduring martial traditions of East Prussia.