Model 1862 Preußen Kürassier Metalhelme
 
Model 1862 Preußen Kürassier Mannschaften (Other Ranks) Metalhelme. The helmet is made from polished steel with brass fittings and carries the 1853 pattern threaded screw posts, curved brass chinscales, and the distinctive raw metal edge between the front and rear visors. This helmet was worn by the following Kürassier Regiments:

  • Leib-Kürassier-Regt. Großer Kurfürst Nr.1 (until 1902)

  • Kürassier-Regt. Graf Wrangel Nr.3

  • Kürassier-Regt. von Driesen Nr.4

  • Kürassier-Regt. Herzog Friedrich Eugen von Württemberg Nr.5

  • Kürassier-Regt. von Seydlitz Nr.7

  • Kürassier-Regt. Graf Geßler Nr.8
 
 
A view of the Model 1860 Preußen Mannschaften (Other Ranks) eagle Wappen (front plate) worn on the Model 1862 Kürassier Metalhelme. Except for some refinements to style over time, the Kürassier Metalhelme eagle Wappen was basically unchanged from 1860 to 1895. Note that the gap between the wings and the legs is not voided and that the all the tail feathers are vertical.
Between 1853 and 1894 threaded screw-posts were utilized for the chinscales. Kürassier chinscales are also considerably wider than other units, measuring 36mm at their widest point. Introduced in 1857, the Preußen (Prussian) stamped metal Kokarde worn on the right side of the helmet measures an impressive 73 mm. Note the size stamp of "55" partially visible on the shell.
This photo shows the raised ridge reinforcement carried on all issued Metalhelme until 1889 to strengthen the shell.
 
A view of the side profile of the M1862 Metalhelme. Note the distinctive raw metal edge between the front and rear visors. In 1867 a small strip of brass or German silver dependant upon the Regiment, was placed along the bottom of the helmet joining the front and rear visors.
The spike top on Preußen Kürassier Metalhelme matched the color of the helmet shell, while the spike neck and base matched the fittings. This photo also shows the raised ridge reinforcement carried on the back of the skull on all Metalhelme until 1889. After this date, only officer Metalhelme retained the ridge to strengthen the shell.
Like the M1843 Metalhelme, the liner of the issued M1862 Metalhelme was of heavy leather with rounded "tongues" perforated at the ends for a leather string to adjust the fit. Contrary to some publications, this liner was in use for issue helmets for the entire life of the Metalhelme from 1843 to 1915. The liner was secured at the sides with the posts of the chinscales, and at the front and rear by spilt brads which passed through the liner and the helmet shell.
The Kürassier wore uniforms made from yellow-white (cream color) boiled wool known as kirsey with Swedish cuffs. The collar and cuffs were in Regimental facing colors and it was closed on the front with sixteen alternating hook and eyes the entire length of the front. The high collar with its distinctive curve, the cuffs, seams, and piping on the front opening and rear skirt of the Koller were piped in the regimental facing color. Shoulder straps were white and also piped in the Regimental color, while the Koller border (Kollerborte) was white fabric edged in regimental facing colors, and ran the entire length of the front, collar, and cuffs.