Original German WWI Rhineland Senior Fire Official’s M1897 Officers Pickelhaube Spiked Helmet with Shielded Wappen - Replaced Spike Tip & Base Screws - Size 57 1/2
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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 lovely example was worn by a Senior Fire Official, and the green shield on the wappen denotes that it came from the Rhineland - note the wavy band across its center. The wappen depicts the Prussian state eagle clutching a scepter and crown with the Rhineland shield in the center. From what we can see, the spike tip and the base screws have been replaced.
The chinscales are in good shape, but the helmet only has the Prussian (black and white) cockade around the chin strap lugs, and is missing the national cockade. The front visor is missing its stitching so it unfortunately sags, but the rear visor retains most of its stitching. The underside of the front visor is inscribed with a name and other information, a good research project for someone with the means.
The interior retains the liner and leather sweatband which is in good shape, though the silk skull cap is a bit torn. The interior crown is marked 57½, for the size.
Overall this is a great looking and very attractive German Pickelhaube. Ready to add to your collection and display!
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