Hessen 23rd and 24th Dragoon Regiments (The Grand Duke of Hessen Regiments who were both Headquartered in Darmstadt) – Officer – Model 1897. From a famous collection in the US. Black lacquered fiber body with silver metal trim. Firm stitching and no extra holes in the helmet body. The helmet body has perfect form and firm stitching. The exterior lacquer is MINT and still shiny. Officer style sweat leather and silk headliner. Silver metal trim is very shiny but has been left uncleaned. The frontplate is the wreathed Hessen Lion in silver metal wreath. Hessen style cross base mounted with silver domed retainers. Unique tall Hessen style fluted spike. Rounded silver chinscales on silver rosettes. Rare Elite regimental helmet. This helmet will be nearly impossible to upgrade.

This helmet was acquired from the collection with the attached calling card, indicating this was the property of Freiherr von Massenbach, who was an Oberleutnant in Dragoon Regiment 24.  He was assigned special duty in service of the Grand Duke of Hesse.  Worthy of further research!