Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice original Imperial German WWI Kingdom of Württemberg M1895-pattern Pioneer enlisted-man’s Pickelhaube, manufactured by W. Becker & Co. of Berlin and dated 1916. The helmet retains its distinctive silver-colored Pioneer fittings, Württemberg state Wappen, both original cockades, leather chinstrap, and original leather liner. Particularly noteworthy is the unusually late 1916 date combined with the traditional bright-finished leather Pickelhaube construction, by which time the German Army had already begun transitioning toward subdued M1915 fittings and eventually the steel helmet.

The Pickelhaube developed through a series of modifications during the late 19th century. An Allerhöchste Kabinetts-Ordre of January 8, 1891 introduced the improved M1891 arrangement after features of the preceding M1887 helmet had proven unsatisfactory.

The metal reinforcement around the front visor was restored, while a new system of side posts and removable loops provided a much more secure method of attaching the leather chinstrap. A further modification followed in 1895, when enlisted helmets received an improved rear spine incorporating an adjustable ventilation opening with a sliding shutter.

The helmet is fitted with the silver-colored metal fittings traditionally associated with Imperial German Pioneer troops. The silvered front wappen features the Coat of Arms of Württemberg, with a shield in the center showing three antlers that represent Württemberg on the left side, and the three lions of medieval Swabia on the right side. There is a wreath surrounding it made of Laurels on the right and Oak Leaves on the left. The Crowned Lion of Swabia supports the shield to the left, and the Stag of Württemberg supports it on the right. On a banner at the bottom is the motto of the kingdom: FURCHTLOS UND TREW ("Fearless and loyal").  The wappen has two threaded posts held in place by washers and nuts through the original holes.

This example was retailed by W. Becker & Co. of Berlin in 1916. The interior crown is stamped with size 55½, and the wappen has two posts held in by washers & nuts. The spike base has four plated rivets that appear a bit loose, and the spike has perlring, which has a lovely tarnished patina. This would likely denote wear by a high-ranking NCO.

Interestingly, there are some indents along the inner edge of the helmet that are clearly from the hooks of a canvas Picklehuabe cover, a great detail.

It is complete with the Württemberg (Red and Black) and German National Colors (red white and black) Kokarden (cockades) 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, as on this helmet. There is some minor paint loss to both cockades. The Attached chin strap appears to be original, with stiffness to the leather and a good patina to the buckles.

The interior features an original leather liner, which shows moderate use, with all tongues intact though the tie string is gone. The size of the helmet is marked as 55 1/2 on the crown. There is also a circular maker stamp for W. BECKER & CO. of BERLIN, the retailer. Next to this is the date 1916, which is likely the date it was sold, but may also be the date it was made. 

The exterior is in great shape with no deformation and a still-hard shell. The rear visor has some minor warping and the spine is now a bit loose, but this is not a serious issue. The adjustable vent on the spine is now seized in place, with the spine and vent having a lovely tarnished patina.

The combination of the Württemberg Pioneer silver-colored fittings, elaborate FURCHTLOS UND TREW state Wappen, original state and Reich cockades, surviving leather chinstrap, size 55½ liner, W. Becker & Co. Berlin maker stamp, 1916 date, and M1895 adjustable rear ventilation system makes this an especially interesting late-war Imperial German Pickelhaube. Its 1916 date places it at the transition between the traditional leather spiked helmet and the rapidly expanding use of the M1915 and Stahlhelm patterns, while the surviving fittings and interior markings provide strong evidence of its original Württemberg Pioneer configuration.