Reuss Flügel-Adjutant Officer’s Pickelhaube for the Younger Prince

This magnificent and exceedingly rare officer’s Pickelhaube was worn by a Flügel-Adjutant (aide-de-camp) to the Younger Line of the Principality of Reuss, one of the smallest and most aristocratically distinguished states of Imperial Germany. Produced in the Prussian Dragoon style, the helmet displays an extraordinary combination of silver and gilt fittings unique to the Reuss court.

The helmet body is constructed of highly polished black lacquered leather with silver-gilt trim, surmounted by a tall fluted officer’s spike on a gilt cruciform base. The frontplate (Wappen) is among the most elaborate ever worn by a non-Prussian officer. A finely frosted silver Guard Eagle spreads its wings across the helmet front, bearing on its breast a large eight-pointed star—the badge of the Reuss Flügel-Adjutant. At the center of the star rests a gilt escutcheon displaying the arms of the Principality of Reuss, surrounded by a golden laurel wreath and encircled by the motto scroll “FÜR FÜRST UND VATERLAND” (“For Prince and Fatherland”). This configuration—with a silver eagle and silver star bearing gilt arms and wreath—denoted service to the Younger Reuss Prince (Reuss jüngerer Linie), while the Flügel-Adjutant of the Older Line wore a variant with the star entirely gilt.

All fittings are of the highest officer quality, including the gilt chinscales on rosettes, the front and rear visor trim, and the delicate beaded edging at the base of the spike. The state and Reich officer kokarden remain properly mounted. The finish of the helmet body retains a mirror-like gloss, showing only the faintest traces of age—remarkable for a court helmet of this rarity. The interior is immaculate, lined with soft cream silk and a supple leather sweatband, both entirely original and free from tears or detachment. No extra holes are present beneath the plate, confirming undisturbed originality.

Historical Context
The tiny but historically significant Principalities of Reuss—divided into Reuss Elder Line (Greiz) and Reuss Younger Line (Gera and Schleiz)—trace their lineage to the medieval lords of Plauen. Each male member of the family bore the name Heinrich (Henry), distinguished only by numeration. Despite their small territories, the Reuss princes enjoyed full sovereignty and maintained close ties to the Hohenzollern court. Their military contingents were integrated into the Prussian Army following the 1866 Austro-Prussian War, yet the princes retained ceremonial and personal staffs, including a handful of Flügel-Adjutants, who acted as personal aides in both military and court functions.

Flügel-Adjutants held elite status within the Imperial hierarchy. They were responsible for correspondence, ceremonial duties, and liaison with the Kaiser’s General Staff. Helmets of this rank were personally commissioned and produced in extremely limited numbers—often one or two examples per reigning house. Surviving examples of Reuss Flügel-Adjutant helmets are among the rarest of all German court Pickelhauben, rivaling those of the smaller Thuringian duchies in scarcity and prestige.

This helmet epitomizes the pinnacle of German court uniform design—a synthesis of Prussian military form and small-state heraldic individuality. The craftsmanship and combination of silver and gilt elements produce a striking contrast unmatched by any line or staff helmet. Its direct association with the Reuss court and Flügel-Adjutant service make it one of the most desirable non-Prussian helmets of the Imperial period.

Condition is excellent throughout, with a deep luster to the lacquered shell, bright gilt and frosted silver detailing, and a pristine interior. It is fully original and unrestored—a museum-grade example worthy of inclusion in the finest collection of Imperial German headgear.