{"product_id":"original-imperial-german-wwi-grand-duchy-of-baden-m1915-infantry-em-nco-pickelhaube-helmet-with-reproduction-cockades-chinstrap-dated-1914-size-59","title":"Original Imperial German WWI Grand Duchy of Baden M1915 Infantry EM\/NCO Pickelhaube Helmet with Reproduction Cockades \u0026 Chinstrap - Dated 1914 - Size 59","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a very good condition Imperial German line Infantry enlisted man's Mannschaften (other ranks) pickelhaube, with Grand Duchy of Baden (Großherzogtum Baden) Wappen. The M1915 was the last model of Pickelhaube issued prior to the move to all steel helmets. In accordance with the 1915 regulations these helmets would no longer use brass, silver, or Tombak as the M1895 did. All issued Pickelhaube would now use grey oxidized steel fittings for all regiments. The wappen is not attached and just sits on the helmet. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis helmet features a oxidized steel frontplate (wappen) with the Crowned Heraldic Griffin clutching a sword and resting on the Baden state shield. Below this is the Grand Duchy's motto: \u003cstrong\u003eMIT GOTT F. FUERST U. VATERLAND\u003c\/strong\u003e (With God for Prince, or Grand Duke, and Fatherland). The crown of this leather helmet displays a vented enlisted removable spike mount on an oxidized steel baseplate. The spike is in great condition, and is removable. It should be noted that the wappen itself is not attached to the helmet and just sits in the holes. It will need a couple of pins or leather wedges to get it fixed in place.. The shell of the pickelhaube has retained its shape incredibly well, which we never see.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt also has the correct \"vent\" on the rear support spine of the helmet, which is now a bit seized. The helmet retains two reproduction or repainted cockages, national and state for Baden, and it has been fitted with a reproduction chinstrap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe interior features the original leather liner, which is in great condition, with all fingers intact. The helmet is marked \u003cstrong\u003e59\u003c\/strong\u003e on the interior, the size, and there is a partial cartouche reading:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eB.A.XV\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1914\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis denotes being worked on at BA XV: XV Armee-Korps (Strassburg) in 1914. There are other markings on the rear visor ,\u003cstrong\u003eBA IX\u003c\/strong\u003e for IX Armee-Korps (Altona). There is another stamp which looks like a unit marking, maybe \u003cstrong\u003eI.R. 23\u003c\/strong\u003e, a good research project. If this is the unit, the wappen may have been replaced, as it is a Bavarian unit. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe black leather shell shows some crazing but has retained its shape very well. The lacquer finished leather is in great condition having no serious issues. Neither visor is loose and the helmet is in great shape with a lovely patina. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall a very nice condition Imperial German pickelhaube from the Grand Duchy of Baden, a great addition to any collection! Just missing the original cockades and an original chinstrap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGermany’s Pickelhaube helmet, distinguished by a lone spike jutting straight from its top, became a symbol of Prussian militarism in the early 20th century. At first glance, the distinctive spike seems to have served no practical purpose and use of these helmets on the battlefield was abolished during World War I.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntroduced by the Prussian military in 1843, the Pickelhaube was originally proposed for use by cavalry troops. The helmets, made of pressed leather, were developed as an updated solution to the conical shako hats worn by Prussians during the Napoleonic Wars. Napoleonic-era shakos offered virtually no head protection and were cumbersome to wear in wet conditions, as they easily soaked up rain. The Pickelhaube, therefore, was greeted as a practical modern invention. The new “leather helmets” or “helmets with spikes” gave soldiers’ greater head covering and visibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe distinctive spike on the Pickelhaube was supposed to function as a blade tip. It was designed to deflect sword blows aimed at the head. The spikes could be modified depending on soldiers’ battlefield duties and outfitted with plumes on formal occasions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse of the helmet became widespread throughout Germany and was even adopted by regional police forces and fire brigades. The helmet was often greeted with sarcasm and mockery, even within Germany. In 1843, the famous German poet, Heinrich Heine, wrote and published a satiric poem, “Germany: A Winter’s Tale,” in the poem, Heine compared the Pickelhaube to a lightning rod:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Yes, yes, I like the helmet, it demonstrates the loftiest wit!\u003cbr\u003eA kingly inspiration, it was! Complete with a point and tip!\u003cbr\u003eI’m just afraid a storm will come and only too easily hit,\u003cbr\u003eThat romantic crown of yours with a fancy lightning blitz!”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Pickelhaube became a symbol of Prussian aggressiveness and battle prowess. An imperial proclamation in 1871 made the Pickelhaube mandatory for all German troops. Proud Prussian military leaders with bristling mustaches posed for publicity photos sporting the Pickelhaube, including Kaiser Wilhelm II, Otto von Bismarck, and Paul von Hindenburg. In other countries, the horned helmets became synonymous with barbarism, especially during World War I.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44048985555013,"sku":"ONJR25MYCA04","price":695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25MYCA04__07.jpg?v=1764176815","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-imperial-german-wwi-grand-duchy-of-baden-m1915-infantry-em-nco-pickelhaube-helmet-with-reproduction-cockades-chinstrap-dated-1914-size-59","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}