Name/Title
Prussian WW1 Pickelhaube Spike HelmetEntry/Object ID
2020.01.299Description
Black standard issue helmet with metal front plate depicting Prussian coat of arms, laquered body with metal trimmed visor - chin strap is missing. Spike removeable but stuck. The front plate is attached to the helmet through two grommet-lined holes in the front of the helmet body. Leather tongue-style liner and leather visors, although body of uncertain material. Plain leather inner visor usually had regimental or quartermaster corps inked stamps - some kind of square stamp possibly with 1 inside on back left visor.
Mo piece of military headgear more exemplifies a nation or an age than the Pickelhaube, or spiked helmet. The spiked helmet was the most popular war souvenir of the American doughboys. Thousands more were sent home by the U.S. government as premiums for purchasers of War Bonds.
Trophies and souvenirs were often scavenged from the battlefield but in some of the major offensives, like the Somme, soldiers could sometimes take them directly from enemy troops. These helmets were the most sought-after trophies and could be sold at high prices.
In pencil on inside: 18
In marker on inside: #16
Another round ink stamp visible but not legibleAcquisition
Accession
2020.01Source or Donor
Miscellaneous FIC