G016891 MODEL 1897 PRUSSIAN OFFICER SPIKE HELMET (FIELD ARTILLERY/TRAIN) 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: Brass fitting pickelhaube for an officer infantry or artillery troop. This example has black leather body with light crazing and some lacquer loss. Brass fittings throughout, including the brass heraldic eagle with voided crown, spike base, reproduction star retainers, brass rear spine, visor trim, convex chinscales secured by oval rosettes. With the convex chinscales, this would be a field artillery officer or a train battalion officer pickelhaube. Front and rear visors have the red and green backing which is proper for an officer. Both visors are firmly attached to the helmet body. Glue remains have been observed on the rear visor. The wappen is secured to the helmet body via thread and nut system. There are no extra holes on the helmet body. Interior features a brown leather sweatband with salmon coloured silk canvas. Both in excellent condition. Original Reich and State cockades with convex chinscales. No size marking but helmet is estimate to be size 58-59.
GRADE **** PRICE $1,369.00
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