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 kingdom of Bavaria, retaining some measure of independence, was the last of the German states to adopt the Pickelhaube, doing so in 1886.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Bavarian officers pickelhaube. Nice quality blackened lacquered leather construction pickelhaube with gilted brass metal fittings. The pickelhaube features a rounded body and crown with stitched on, extended, squared corner, front and rounded rear visors. The forward edge of the front visor is trimmed in brass which is secured in position by two dome headed studs. The pickelhaube has the Bavarian pattern stamped, gilted brass helmet plate (wappen). The helmet plate features a central vertical oval with the embossed coat-of-arms, flanked by crowned rampant lions. The top edge of the helmet plate has a large crown and the bottom edge has a unfurled banner with embossed Gothic script, "In Treue Fest" (In Loyalty Steadfast). The helmet plate is attached to the pickelhaube by split brads with washers to the reverse side. The top crown of the pickelhaube has the distinctive Bavarian clover-leaf spike bass and fluted spike, all in gilt washed brass. Nice tall spike standing about 14cm in height. All three of the original officer’s star retaining brads are complete. Spike top is removable. The spike base has six circular ventilation holes to the "neck" portion and an embossed, repeating, circular "pearl", patterned ornamentation at the base. The reverse center of the pickelhaube has a vertical, gilted brass spine with-out the sliding ventilation shutter. The spine is secured to the pickelhaube by an internal spilt pin rivet with a domed head. The pickelhaube has a multi-piece, slightly convexed, tapered, gilted brass chinscales with a black leather backstrap to the reverse. The chinscales are secured at the front center of the helmet with a small horizontal slit to the right side and an extended swivel tab to the left side. The leather backstrap has a small brass buckle enabling it to be functional as a chin strap. Both Officer’s korkarden are present and in nice condition. The pickelhaube is complete with its original wide leather sweatband with ornate scalloped edging and green silk lining with a central slash with two tunnel looped wooden dowel retainers. The pickelhaube is in overall excellent condition. Approximately a "56". Comes with its original private purchase field cover.