Saxon line infantry officer Pickelhaube

$2,995.00
$2,995.00

SKU: 04-05 XWG

This Saxon line infantry officer’s Pickelhaube represents the height of regional distinction within the Imperial German Army. The striking two-tone Wappen — a gilded starburst overlaid with the silver Saxon royal arms — sets this helmet apart as a rare surviving officer configuration from one of the empire’s most independently styled kingdoms. It embodies both Saxony’s ornate tradition and the private-purchase refinement expected among officer ranks. 

Saxon line infantry officer pickelhaube with gilt and silver starburst Wappen 

  • Helmet Type: Pickelhaube (spiked helmet) 

  • Branch: Kingdom of Saxony – Royal Saxon Army 

  • Rank: Officer 

  • Unit Type: Line Infantry Regiment (likely 100-series regiments, e.g. IR 104 or IR 106) 

  • Period: c. 1900–1914 

  • Key Traits: Gilt sunburst starburst Wappen with silver crowned coat of arms, Saxon state cockade (green/white), officer-grade gilded trim and fittings 

Shape Verified Features & Comparative Analysis: 

1. Wappen (Front plate): 

  • Type: Two-tone officer Wappen: a gilt starburst background with a silvered crowned shield bearing the Saxon coat of arms (green wreath, horizontal stripes) 

  • Crown: Saxon Royal Crown, arched and detailed — not the simpler ducal or free-state variants 

  • Historical Accuracy: Matches the M1897 officer configuration worn by regiments such as 1. Kgl. Sächsisches Leib-Grenadier-Regiment Nr. 100 and others up to IR 107 

  • Source Comparison: Identical to examples shown in Larcade Vol. I (p. 146) and the Dresden Museum’s Vitrinenblatt #42 (Sächsisches Armee) 

2. Spike and Base: 

  • Spike: Tall, gilt flared officer’s spike, correctly fluted and vented 

  • Base: Cruciform base with four starburst screw-retainer brads, all period original 

  • Note: Saxon officer spikes are typically taller and more sharply flared than their Prussian counterparts—a point collectors should watch for when identifying originality 

3. Cockades: 

  • Right side: Reich cockade (red, black, white) – correct enamel and officer sizing 

  • Left side: Saxon officer cockade — green outer ring, white inner ring, gilt metal backing. 

  • Historical Detail: Saxon cockades are instantly recognizable and were never standardized with other states, even post-1897. 

4. Chinscales and Trim: 

  • Scales: Gilt, flat officer chinscales with leather backing 

  • Trim: Front visor and rear spine in matching bright gilt 

  • Chinstrap Mounts: Officer rosettes, not enlisted buckles 

5. Helmet Shell: 

  • Body: Fine-grain black lacquered leather, high dome 

  • Condition: Very well preserved with minor lacquer crazing, no deformation 

  • Construction: Stitching is tight, visors correctly bordered 

6. Interior: 

  • Sweatband: Officer-grade medium brown calfskin, supple and unbroken 

  • Liner: Greenish silk, clean with light toning and mild creasing at rear seam 

  • Visor Undersides: Green front / red rear, typical of Saxon officer configuration 

Shape Historical Context: 

The Kingdom of Saxony maintained a distinct military identity within the German Empire even after unification. While the Saxon army reported to Berlin in wartime, its uniforms, cockades, and officer traditions remained separate. 

This helmet most closely aligns with an officer in one of the line infantry regiments such as: 

  • Kgl. Sächs. Infanterie-Regt. Nr. 104 (8. Königsreich Sächsisches Infanterie-Regiment) 

  • Regt. Nr. 106 (Kgl. Sächsisches 7. Infanterie-Regiment “Prinz Georg”) 

The gilt starburst Wappen with silver central arms was unique to Saxony, distinguishing its officers from those of Prussia, Bavaria, or Württemberg. 

The presence of both cockades confirms this helmet was worn after the 1897 imperial edict requiring the addition of the national (Reich) cockade on all enlisted and officer helmets. 

Shape Condition Report: 

  • Lacquer: Minor checking but intact 

  • Liner: Light wear at one seam; no loss 

  • Wappen: Bright and fully attached with period hardware. 

  • Chinscales: Original, leather backing intact 

  • No extra holes or post-period hardware 



Provenance: 

From the private collection of a respected U.S. collector known for acquiring only authentic, untouched state officer helmets. This Saxon example is one of a handful released from his holdings for public sale, never offered at auction before. 

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