BACKGROUND: The Pickelhaube was designed by Friedrich Wilhelm IV and adopted by the Prussia Army in 1842. It was first worn on active duty in 1849, during the suppression of an uprising in the south-west German state of Baden. That state itself adopted a variation of the Pickelhaube not long after. The helmet was modified several times, mostly as a result of field experience garnered during the Austro-Prussian and Franco-Prussian wars. By 1886, the Pickelhaube was the standard form of headdress adopted by the German army.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A Pickelhaube spike and its circular base plate, the latter having been adopted by all ranks of line Infantry after 1867. The plain spike is 3 3/8" tall, which, with the additional 1/8" from the 3" diameter base plate, creates the regulation height prescribed for enlisted personnel after 1897. The spike has five ventilation holes to its neck, increased from two in 1885, aligning with corresponding holes in its concealed spikemount, and a rounded bead of plain metal is in place of the Perlring, as was the practice for enlisted spikes after 1887. Two of its four spikebase retaining studs remain, being the round-headed variety with dual-pronged attachment flanges typical of enlisted helmets. These are attached, along with two other studs, to a square piece of what appears to be hardened leather. Fragments of blackened leather may be seen sandwiched between the square piece and the spikebase, which are most likely from the helmet it was originally attached to. The spike, its base, and the base’s two original retaining studs are all made of what appears to be tombac, and all are moderately age soiled, with wear to their highlights.

GRADE ***1/2                             PRICE $117.00