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. 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. Although dominated by Prussia, the separate German states maintained their identity through their distinctive helmet plates and the cockades worn on either side. The "Land-Kokarde" indicated the state that the bearer was attached to, and was normally worn on the left side of the Pickelhaube, fitted unto the side post of the chin strap. The cockades for enlisted ranks were one-piece, while NCOs and officers had two-piece versions.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A Prussian enlisted cockade for either M1895 or M1915 pickelhauben. App 50mm diameter, die-struck metal construction. Cockade retains most of its original paint. Nice!