Original German WWI Prussian Provincial M1897 Officers Pickelhaube Spiked Helmet with Shielded Wappen - Size 56

Original Item: Only One Available. The Pickelhaube is an Iconic helmet design, which originated in 19th Century German. The name itself comes from the German Pickel, "point" or "pickaxe", and Haube, "bonnet", a general word for "headgear". Also known colloquially as Pickelhelm, these were spiked helmets worn in the 19th and 20th centuries by Prussian and German military, firefighters and police.

Although typically associated with the Prussian Army, which adopted it in 1842–43, it was used throughout Germany by the various states of the German Empire after it was founded in 1871. It also became the standard helmet used by Police and Fire forces as well, and there were a multitude of different variations across the country.

Regardless of the unit, officer Pickelhaube share common features such as: the top spike fitting is retained by "star" shaped rivets, and "egg & dart" Perlring was utilized around the base of the top spike. Additionally, chin scales were worn, attached permanently to the helmet. The officer's Pickelhaube was basically unchanged from 1871 to 1899 when it had a more domed shape, and from 1899 to the end it had more of a skull shape. Aside from insignia, the officer's Haube was mostly the same from 1871 to 1918. As with most pickelhauben, they are made from boiled leather, which is then lacquered black.

This example is definitely Prussian, and is a provincial pickelhaube, with a green-colored shielded crest in the center of the wappen. We have found several examples of this shield, all with different provinces/towns on a scroll underneath. So we cannot say for certain what province this example was used for. The front bears a typical Prussian Wappen (front plate), but the eagle has no crown, nor does it hold a scepter or orb. There is no banner or motto, and in the center of the eagles chest is the coat of arms of the one of the Provinces of Prussia. Police and Fire forces were often handled at the Province or Local level, so this would be correct for a helmet used in that area. The green is mostly retained on the shield. The top spike likely comes off, but it takes a lot of pressure so we have not attempted to.

It comes with the Prussian (black and white) cockade, but does not have the German National Colors (red white and black) cockade around the chin strap lugs. In 1897 the new Reichs-Kokarde in Red-White-Black was introduced for all ranks to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kaiser Wilhelm 1st. The Reichs-Kokarde was to be worn on the right side of the helmet, and the state Kokarde was moved to the left. But on this example there is only a state cockade, and it is on the right side, leading us to believe that this helmet pre-dates that 1897 directive. The chinscales are in good shape but the leather underneath shows crazing.

The front visor is in fair shape but the shrinkage of the leather has made the trim a bit loose. As for the rear visor, all of the stitching has come undone, so the only thing keeping it in place is the rear spine. This could possibly be repaired by an expert.

The 8-tongue leather liner is in good shape, and the only markings we could find inside was the size on the front visor, 56.

Overall this is a great looking and very attractive German Pickelhaube. Ready to add to your collection and display!