Schwarzburg Rudolstadt Pickelhaube / Spiked Helmet for Reserve Officer in Infanterie Rgt Nr 96

This is a reserve officer pickelhaube from Infanterie-Regiment Nr 96, III. Battalion Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt. This was a split Battalion as I. Battalion was Prussian and II. Battalion was from Reuss. The first two Bataillones were garrisoned at Gera while III. Battalion was housed at Rudolstadt. The regiment carried creation dates of 1702 and 1867. It was attached to the Prussian XI. ArmeeKorps.

The leather body of the spike helmet is very clean with the leather being quite supple with no issues. The chin scales, helmet trim, spike base, pearl ring and the extra tall spike are brass. Only the sunburst with the coat of arms for Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt, and the reserve officer cross are silver toned. The correct kokarden for Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt and the Reich are present.

In looking at the interior we see a nicely conditioned brown leather sweat band. The silk liner is complete but there is some shredding towards the front of the helmet. As we peek under the silk liner we see that all of the original hardware is in place and there are no holes where the wappen is attached. There is also a faded label which is apparently from the purveyor.

This is an amazing helmet in excellent condition not withstanding the issue with the silk liner. As this pickelhaube comes from a single Battalion the rarity is obvious.