Original Imperial German WWI Officer's Pickelhaube Helmet With175th Infantry Regiment Helmet Cover

Original Imperial German WWI Officer's Pickelhaube Helmet With175th Infantry RegimentHelmet Cover-This is an Imperial German officer's Model 1895 pickelhaube from the 175th Infantry Regiment, which was stationed in Graudenz, West Prussia, now part of modern day Poland. A fresh, untouched example recently acquired from a New England estate sale.The helmet features a black lacquered leather body with brass trim. The shell remains in good to very good condition, with firm stitching overall. However, the rear visor has separated due to age and deterioration of the original cotton thread, but it is repairable. The exterior lacquer shows typical age related crazing, but retains nearly all of its original finish. Notably, there is a graze on the right side of the helmet that aligns with a shrapnel ding on the top rear and cockade are visible holes on the helmet cover, strongly indicating that the helmet and cover are original to each other and have remained together since the war.All brass fittings have a consistent aged patina. The front plate is the large winged Prussian Grenadier officer's type with the 'Mit Gott für König und Vaterland' banner, crafted in one stamped piece. It is secured with original studs/bolts, and nuts. The helmet also features the correct officer's brass spike and base with domed retainers, though one star retainer is missing. The brass gilt flat chinscales are intact and affixed by officer-grade rosettes over Reich's and Prussian two piece cockades. The chinstrap leather remains supple and retains the original buckle. Importantly, the helmet has not been cleaned or polished, preserving its untouched character. With some careful cleaning and visor re-stitching, its appearance could be significantly improved.Inside, the helmet shows honest wear. The leather sweatband is complete but soiled. The silk headliner is stained and torn from age and use. Of particular note is a monogram bearing a coronet (Adelskrone, indicating noble lineage) and the letter 'K' worthy of further research. A 1914 rank list may assist in identifying the original owner, especially if the officer's name includes a 'v' or 'V' (for 'von') under the letter 'K.'The original helmet cover is included and remains largely intact. It features hand-stitched '175' in green wool, though much of the wool has worn away from moth damage, revealing the thin cardboard backing. The spike cover has detached due to thread deterioration. The cover is marked 'D.R.P.' on the rear visor flap and, like the helmet, exhibits a few holes consistent with the same shrapnel impact. Overall, the helmet cover is in good to very good condition, particularly considering it is over a century old.