German Fire Brigade Leather Helmet, c. 1900

Late 19th to early 20th-century German fire brigade helmet with a black-lacquered leather or fiber shell, brass central comb, brass rivets, and brass trim around the front and rear peaks. Fitted with brass lion-head chinstrap bosses and a leather chinstrap. The interior retains its multi-tongue leather liner and suspension assembly. The helmet has no visible maker, municipality, or brigade markings, and no specific local organization can be confirmed. Shows extensive age-related crazing and cracking to the lacquered shell, scratches, brass tarnish, and drying, cracking, and wear to the chinstrap and interior liner. GE