Generally speaking, this covers late-18th to mid-20th century and all disciplines from parade items to combat equipment. Good reference books include: two volumes by Carman on British military headdress; Tom Stubbs's excellent book on Imperial German officers' headdress, published by Schiffer, USA.

This is the peace time manoeuvre cover introduced in 1908 in order to distinguish friend from foe on manoeuvres, hence the red band (it is reversible). The basic colour is khaki shot through with a reed green element in the linen. This is distinct from the war time version which had no red band, therefore relatively rare.

This, perhaps one of the most handsome of all the late period Austrian helmets, is essentially in good shape. However, some of the paintwork has been retouched and the silk lining is missing. The eagle helmet plate has been replaced with a 1st Uhlan officer's plate. The original would have had the full Hapsburg coat of arms on the eagle's chest.

THIS FAKE IS ON THE WEBSITE AS A WARNING! It is not in my possession as the client on whose behalf I was selling it returned it to his source. The shell and the party decal are OK, together with the bulk of the paintwork, but the SS decal has been added much later, perhaps only ten years ago, possibly to replace a damaged police decal.

These helmets were worn by the Austrian heavy cavalry in various forms from the late 18th century onwards. This good example is of the ultimate form, as used in World War 1 and in the annexation of Bosnia in 1908. The body of the helmet is leather and the base of the comb is polished brass, indicating NCO status.

Slightly scruffy example (several moth holes) of rare side cap, Wasserschutzpolizei. Blue rayon lining, dark blue cloth body, piped with gold bullion.

Unusual example, being essentially a Weimar period cap (green band as opposed to brown) with 3rd Reich 1936 pattern insignia. Maker mark Alkero, dot punched into leather sweat band. Vaguely legible name on paper insert. This cap has had extensive field use and shows comensurate wear and tear.

Clean example, no interior markings. Cockade fluoresces under UV lamp, so could possibly be a replacement item. Otherwise in excellent condition. This black ski cap was commonly used by Herman Goering Division tank crews.