Collecting militaria is likened to going on a treasure hunt. Collectors are always looking for the "find" that will bring us joy and add a "piece of history" to our collections. Fortunately for the American "Pickelhaube" collectors, there were many thousands of helmets brought home as souvenirs after both WWI and WWII. Helmets still surface at garage sales, flea markets and gun shows.

Although the hobby is large and gaining new collectors daily, there has been very little in the way of reference and research material available in the English language concerning "Pickelhauben". To determine the value of an individual helmet the purchaser must be knowledgeable about helmet design, construction, and be able to identify the front plates of the German states and regiments.

When considering a piece for purchase the important considerations are originality, rank, condition, and rarity. When evaluating a helmet for purchase, one should use keen observation and common sense. Criteria includes:

1. In order to be original, all metal parts should match in color and should configure snugly to the contour of the helmet. It is not uncommon to find helmets that have mismatched parts. The helmet was originally designed for an 18-year use life by the army. Many helmets were altered during the time of use by the quartermaster or by officers who purchased used helmets in order to save money. In the years since WWI some helmets have lost parts and pieces due to neglect and aging. As a collector, I am not opposed to restoring a helmet to its original station. I do oppose altering a helmet from its original use or rank. The collector must check to make sure that the front plate of a "rare" unit helmet has not been added at a later date. Everything from rare front plates, metal back spines, and even leather helmet bodies are now being reproduced. The collector should be on the lookout for helmets that have repro parts. Reproduction parts are poorer in quality than the original. They are usually made of formed copper and have been electroplated. To complete a helmet missing a needed part with a repro item will significantly impact the value of a helmet. It is most onerous when rare front plates are concerned. I would MUCH rather have original common helmets than a fake rare one.

2. Naturally, rank has a lot to do with the value of a helmet. Officers model helmets are more valuable than enlisted models. The purchaser should remember that officer model helmets must have all the characteristics required to make the helmet proper for an officer. A helmet that appears to be an officer model but has a spike without officers 'pearls and diamond' ring or without "star" retainers is usually a private purchase helmet of a 1 Year Volunteer or Officer Candidate. Such helmets are not valued as high as that of a full officer model.

3. The collector must remember that these helmets are all nearly 100 year old. Condition varies from pristine pieces that have been wonderfully stored in carrying cases to those found in the attics of Texas farmhouses. In every case, a mint original helmet will bring a premium price on the collector market. Such items are rare to find today. A helmet that is complete but shows slight aging or is dirty will also bring a good price. Helmets that are damaged altered, or missing parts must be discounted in value relative to the degree of problems. Most collectors prefer the helmet to remain in its original and unaltered condition. Replacement parts should be utilized only to restore a helmet to its original rank and position. BEWARE of over cleaning. An unskilled restorer can easily ruin a valuable helmet with his zeal to clean up a helmet. I am skilled as a restorer and I have harmed pieces by trying too hard. Remember officer helmets were fire gilded and SHOULD NOT be cleaned with an abrasive metal cleaner.

4. The collector must be aware of the importance of rarity. Prussia, being the most heavily populated of the German states fielded a large contingent in the German army while the duchy of Schwarzburg Rudolstadt had only one battalion of troops. There were certainly thousands of Prussian helmets to every one helmet from Schwarzburg Rudolstadt. I recommend the collector study the breakdown of the German army regiments to get a clear picture of the relative numbers related to availability of helmet types. The helmets from some regiments bring a premium because of their appearance alone. Besides its rarity, the Braunschweig "Deaths Head" 92nd Infantry Regiment is much sought after due to its haunting beauty. The same is true of Life Guard and elite regiment helmets from all the German states.
The "Pickelhaube" had a distinct place in military history. It was the figurehead of one of the greatest professional armies the world has ever known. The fantastic shape of the spiked helmet along with its decoration and shining colors exemplified the pride of military tradition and the glory of a bygone age. For the collector, each helmet found is a true "piece of history".