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Perhaps no helmet is more emblematic of the nineteenth and early twentieth century
as the spiked helmet - the picklehaube - of the German Empire.
A very regal looking Friedrich Wilhelm IV pictured with his plumed picklehaube.
The realities of trench warfare quickly proved the m.91 inadequate for modern warfare. By the second year of the war the picklehaube started to be replaced by the steel helmet (profiled here).
For a much more extensive exploration of the picklehaube go to the
authoritative Colonel J's site here.
The black and white cockade is indicative of Prussia.
As the war became static and the armies entrenched, the picklehaube proved to be mostly style and little substance; much to the woe of the German foot soldier.
The German Reich cockade adorns the right side of the helmet.
The posts that secure both the cockades as well as the chinstrap are
elegant in their simplicity.
The posts are fastened inside the shell with a
washer and pin system.
Thousands of picklehaubes came to the United States after the war and were used as premiums for those who purchased Liberty Bonds. Certainly many of the picklehaubes on the market today were among these give-aways rather than the old saw of
"brought home by a vet" which collectors hear so much.
The liner is a nine-finger configuration gathered in the center with
a drawstring which adjusts the fit.
The chinstrap is adjusted with two slider buckles finished in gray.
Like most picklehaubes found today the finish is crazed, here, on the front visor.
This close-fitting, black-painted helmet must have been very uncomfortable to wear in hot weather, so ventilation was a must.
The rear spine is hollow with a little sliding door...
which can be slid open to provide a positive airflow through the top back of the shell...
as well as the back of neck by this little opening at the bottom of the rear visor. Visible also is the nut which secures the spine.
More ventilation is provided at the top, which demonstrates that the spike is more than merely decorative. It serves as a rain proof cupola for ventilation holes...
which communicate to the top of the helmet. Also visible are the split pins which secure the disc at the base of the spike. These are very well designed and engineered helmets.
Robust bosses secure the spike base to the shell of the helmet.
The spike twists off with a simple bayonet mount.
The eagle insignia, or "wappen" is finished in gray, as are all of the metal fittings.
Although illegible, the maker's marks appear on the rear visor.
These helmets were an issue item and would have a variety of owners, here the names Eisen and Vize are penciled in as well as the size stamp.
Another stamp, although illegible, this helmet is well marked; always a treat for the collector.
The wappen is secured to the helmet with wire loops passing through grommeted holes and secured by leather wedges.
These jolly cockades are in good condition with a very pleasant patina; German Reich to the left and Prussia to the right.
"For God, for king, for fatherland"; the wappen commemorates Fredrich Wilhelm IV.
The shell is of five-piece construction. Heavy leather with equally robust stitching.
A classic and altogether handsome helmet by any measure.
The influence of the German picklehaube extended to the military fashion of other countries, including the United States.
For the entry on my m.1881 cavalry helmet go here.
The picklehaube can still be found in use today...
I think that Friedrich Wilhelm would be gratified to see that his design is still in use by many countries, although I think he would be startled that this member of the Royal Swedish Guard is a young woman. Fancy that.
Perhaps no helmet has been so lampooned as the m.91. Here's a selection of how artists have rendered this iconic helmet in the service of satire:
And that's the long and short of it!
I'll see you next time with another cool helmet from the collection.
Mannie
