G016691 MODEL 1915 WURTTEMBERG ENLISTED 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: Worn by an enlisted man belonging to one of these regiments : GR119, IR 120-127, IR 180. Black lacquered leather body with grey metal fittings including removable spike, side post, front visor trim, rear spike and Wurttemberg wappen. Wappen is secured to the helmet body by leather wedges through the reinforced grey metal eyelets.No extra holes behind the wappan. Helmet has good form and firm stitching. Exterior has crazing due to age. The liner is of that brown leather with rounded "tongues" perforated at the ends for a leather string to adjust the fit. Leather liner is in very good condition with supple leather. No size marking. Original Reich, state cockades with reproduction chinstrap.
GRADE **** PRICE $900.00
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