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G000364 M1915 BADEN EM/NCO'S PICKELHAUBE. (Pickelhaube)
BACKGROUND: Development of the pickelhaube may be traced back to the Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm IV who initiated the original design and introduced it for wear by most of the Prussian line Infantry regiments on October 23RD 1842. The pickelhaube became a visual symbol of Prussia’s military might and underwent numerous modifications starting in 1860 and continuing right up until 1915. The Grand Duchy of Baden adopted a somewhat unique pickelhaube in 1849 with major differences from the Prussian pickelhaube of the time. Starting in 1856 the Baden style pickelhaube was modified to conform with the Prussian style and after 1867 any further modifications were identical to the Prussian version excluding the Baden state helmet plate. The demise of the pickelhaube began in the fields of WWI as a result of increased head wounds suffered by the German troops which were mainly caused by grenade and shell fragments. As a result of the increased head wounds and the development of the first "modern" steel helmets by the French army in early 1915 and by the British army later that year the German army began tests for their own steel helmet at the Kummersdorf Proving Grounds in November, and in the field in December 1915. An acceptable pattern was developed and approved and production of the new steel helmets began at the Eisen-und Hüttenwerke, AG Thale/Harz, in the spring of 1916. After the introduction of the M16 helmet the pickelhaube was relegated for wear only on ceremonial occasions.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: M1915 pattern, blackened lacquered leather construction pickelhaube with magnetic sheet metal fittings. The pickelhaube features a rounded body and crown with stitched on, extended, rounded corner, front and rear visors. The front center of the pickelhaube has the standard 1867 pattern, stamped, matte grey painted, magnetic sheet metal Baden helmet plate. The helmet plate features the crowned, Baden Griffin with outstretched wings with upward flared tip, and is clutching a sword and scalloped shield in its talons with an embossed scripted banner to the bottom. The embossed script to the banner consists of, "Mit Gott F. Fuerst U. Vaterland", (With God for Sovereign and Fatherland). The helmet plate is attached to the helmet by two metal loops which extend into the interior through corresponding holes on the front of the pickelhaube’s body. The top crown of the pickelhaube has the typical circular, magnetic sheet metal spike base with all four dome headed split pin retaining rivets intact. The plain, regulation, detachable pattern, sheet metal spike has five circular ventilation holes to the "neck" portion. The reverse center of the pickelhaube has a vertical, magnetic sheet metal, reinforcement spine with the sliding ventilation shutter intact near the top edge. The spine is secured to the pickelhaube by a spilt pin rivet and a screw with a retaining nut. The front leather visor has magnetic sheet metal trim to the forward edge secured by two large dome headed rivets. The pickelhaube has magnetic sheet metal, M1891 style, side posts positioned on either side of the body for securing the chinstrap and the national and state cockades. The chinstrap and both of the cockades are included. The interior of the pickelhaube is in natural tan leather with a natural tan leather, nine finger liner. The liner is in overall nice condition with only minimal chafe wear to the edges. The interior crown has the magnetic stamped sheet metal spike base retainer intact. The interior crown is well marked with "54" size and army corps BA marking. Rear apron is unit marked "G.R.110" and dated for 1916. The Baden and National cockades are originals. Chinstrap looks to be a copy. The stitching on the front visor has pulled loose with the visor being held on by the two dome headed rivets. The removable spike does not fit correctly and looks to be from another helmet. Fairly decent example in need of a few small repairs.
GRADE *** 3/4 PRICE $600.00
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