Prussian 1870 Kurassier Officer Pickelhaube Helmet

Polished steel body with gilt trim, including the fire gilt Prussian eagle front helmet plate, visor trim, rivets, spike base, and neck. The spike is fluted polished steel and is removable. Convex fish scale gilt chin strap secured by slotted side screw in cloverleaf rosettes. Maltese cross shaped ventilation openings in the spike base on either side. Not unexpectedly, the body of the helmet exhibits some pitting. The left side cockade is missing. The interior rear neck guard is lined with brown velvet. Interior front visor retains approximately 50% of the original paint. Yellow silk helmet liner exhibits some tears but is intact and complete. The leather sweatband is similarly intact, with the original owner's name inked on the front, and appears to be 'W. 'Kup…' with the remainder of the name not entirely legible. Overall an exceptionally impressive helmet, particularly in light of its age of nearly 150 years old.