Germany, Imperial. A Rare Hesse Leibgarde-Infanterie-Regiment 115 Model 1895 Pickelhaube

(Hessen Pickelhaube Modell 1895 für Mannschaften der Leibgarde-Infanterie-Regiment). A rare and well-preserved Hesse Leibgarde-Infanterie-Regiment Model 1895 Pickelhaube (spike helmet), constructed of a boiled and blackened leather shell. The crown is topped by a silvered brass cruciform plate, fixed in place with four domed rivets, which accommodates a ribbed spike. A silvered brass spine extends from the back of the plate and reaches the edge of a protruding blackened leather neck guard. A multi-piece silvered brass insignia is affixed to the peak, and consisting of a crowned Hesse lion rampant wielding a sword, flanked by clusters of laurel and oak leaf wreathes, in turn defaced by an eight-pointed starburst bearing a wreathed inscription of “GOTT - EHRE - VATERLAND” (“GOD - HONOUR - FATHERLAND”), measuring 13 cm (w) x 9 cm (h). Above the lion, the helmet is also fastened with a banner bearing a date of “1621”. The helmet is flanked by silvered brass studs which accommodate an original blackened leather chinstrap, itself adjusted with dual silvered brass buckles. Magnetic metal cockades are situated beneath the studs, with the left side painted in a Hesse red and white motif, and the right side executed in a red, white, and black imperial tri-colour. A protruding blackened leather visor completes the exterior features, and is reinforced along the edge with a silvered brass rim. The interior retains a mostly intact blackened leather liner which culminates in nine fingers, each perforated at the top with an eyelet for the accommodation of a drawstring which has been lost to time.The reverse of the neck guard is appropriately stamped with a unit attribution of “J.R. 115”, a manufacture date of “1901”, alongside depot marks. The helmet measures approximately 18 cm (w) x 22 cm (l) x 22 cm (inclusive of spike). Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some loss of cockade paint and fatigue to the interior liner. This rare example issued to a desirable unit remains in a near extremely fine condition.