German WWI Jäger zu Pferde Regiment 1-7 Enlisted Ranks Helmet

This is a fine example of the unique metal-bodied helmet worn by the Jäger zu Pferde (Mounted Rifles) regiments. Regiments 1 through 7 shared this specific aesthetic, featuring a steel skull with a chemically blued finish, accented by white metal fittings.

The blued steel skull is in excellent condition, showing only a very minor amount of rust bleed through the blueing, which is typical for a piece of this age. All of the white metal fittings, including the spike, spike base, front plate (wappen), and the trim along the edges of the helmet, are clean and undamaged. The domed brass chin scales remain in place and are complete with their original leather backings. The helmet also retains its original, large-size State and national cockades.

Inside, the rear inner edge trim is stamped with a size 55. The nine-tongued leather liner is present and intact, though the drawstring appears to be a period replacement made from a shoelace. The interior of the skull near the spike base is maker-marked; while a washer partially obscures the full name, the first portion A. Wunder is legible, with the manufacturing town appearing to be Neufchatel. This is a highly scannable and iconic piece of Imperial German cavalry headgear.

Ref; 95631