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Prussian Garde Pionier Officer's Pickelhaube |
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There is nothing that more is clearly
reflects the public perception of the WW1 German Army than the Pickelhaube.
Although it was fairly short-lived as a piece of war-time uniform (giving way to the "coal-scuttle" steel helmet) it was seen as the "trade-mark" of the Central Powers, particularly Prussia. Even in 1965/73 when the producers of "Hogan's Heroes" wanted a visual sign of Allied supremacy over Germanic militarism they chose to show the WW2 US pilot's cap over the WW1 German Pickelhaube (see right). |
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| Peace time and early war Pickelhaube were made from leather. As the war progressed and demand for large quantities put a strain on supply they were made from thick pressed felt, tin, light steel or fibre. These were referred to as "Ersatz" which is a word that translates to false or replacement. | |
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| C.1915 Prussian Garde Pionier Officer's Pickelhaube. The helmet is of wartime construction, it has a leather body with light weight wartime quality metal fittings. The Garde eagle front plate is complete with a large vaulted order of the black eagle. The helmet is also complete with the Reich and Prussian kokarden and the chin-scales which retain the leather chin strap and buckle. The liner is made of silk and caves leather and is complete. The body is very solid with only light crazing, the silver trim i.e. front plate etc. are uncleaned and retain a dark patina. Also shown are the helmet's original storage case, and field gray cover. |
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Right hand view |
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Left hand view |
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Rear view |
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View inside the Pickelhaube showing liner and head-band. |
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Close up of the badge or helmet plate. |
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Field cover for the Pickelhaube. |
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Travelling case for the Pickelhaube. |
