Austria, Imperial. An Austrian Dragoon Officers Helmet, 1905 Model

A black sheet steel with brass trim helmet, featuring a tall brass comb depicting a lion attacking a serpent on each side, the helmet plate features a double headed eagle with shield of Franz Joseph I, the chin strap of laurel leaf metal chin scales is attached to each side with a lion head rosette, and clasped on the front peak in the center by a small bib buckle hook. Two brass ‘ribs’ on each side in triangular form. The interior is hollow with a leather sweatband and two pieces of silk lining. Measuring 280mm (h- base to comb) x 255mm (l – back peak to front peak) x 170mm (w – side to side). The helmet bears light wear to the exterior including patches of lost enamel, denting to comb and small crack at reverse base, the interior sweatband and silk lining both show wear and discolouration. A statement helmet in very fine condition. 

Footnote: There were 15 Austrian Dragoon Regiments of cavalry at the outbreak of war in 1914 and they wore their original colourful uniforms. Following losses, uniforms were made less visible and the first concession was to paint their M1905 helmets grey or have grey linen covers fit over them.