WW1 GERMAN SPIKE HELMET DATED 1908
HISTORY
When Germany entered the First World War its soldiers wore leather spike helmets known as the Pickelhaube the Pickelhaube is easily one of the most recognizable helmets in all of military history. First designed by King Friedrich Wilhelm of Prussia in 1842 (and similar to a contemporary form used in Russia), the Pickelhaube saw service in over 70 years of German warfare. The first Pickelhaubes to be used in WW1 had brass fittings and it wasnt long before the Germans changed the fittings to Grey metal so as to blend with surroundings better. It was only a year or so later that the Germans introduced the steel helmet to give better protection to the soldiers head and neck.
ITEM DESCRIPTION
With the exception of the replacement chinstrap and one of the side rosettes (Red and White one) this helmet is totally original. All brass fittings present and stitching tight. Interior liner present and date and unit marked 1908. There are some scrapes and digs on the leather crown as shown in the images but these do not detract from its appearance and displays signs of combat wear. As the supply of good pickelhaubes dry up they are rising rapidly in price and this represents good value for its condition.