Original German WWI Bavarian Transitional Model 1896 Line Infantry Pickelhaube Helmet – Maker Marked Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a traditional German first world war Bavarian Mannschaften (Other Ranks) brass mounted leather helmet known as a Pickelhaube, for the Foot-troops (Infantry). The M1896 Bavarian Pickelhaube was the final pre-1914 evolution in a long series of spiked helmets, and is very similar to the M1895 Prussian version. The previous M1886 version featured a cruciform spike base on ALL helmets, both enlisted and officer. This helmet originally had one of these cruciform spikes installed, but was later refitted with the round spike base and new rear spine. It also has the much smaller M1896 Wappen, which replaced the extremely large Wappen of the M1886.

Like all pickelhauben, it was manufactured from boiled leather, lacquered black, and provided with fittings made of brass or German silver, dependent upon the Regt. The protection it offered was very limited and led to the eventual replacement by a steel helmet in 1916.

This helmet features a gilt brass infantry wappen (front plate) with the Bavarian coat of arms, over the kingdom’s motto, In Treue Fest, German for “steadfast in loyalty.” It also has correct kokarden (cockades) on both sides, blue/white Bavarian State kokarden and Reichs (black/red/white). These are retained by the chin strap, which still has the correct brass end fittings.

Interior of the Pickelhaube is in very fine condition, exhibiting moderate use. It has a correct black leather liner, though the top tie has been replaced with twine. There is some damage over the ears due to wear and age. The inside of the helmet also has a very nice manufacturer’s rondel that reads:

Alexander Dahl
HELM-
Fabrik
Barmen

The black leather shell shows normal age crazing and wear. The lacquer finished leather is in very good condition having no serious issues. There is also definitely some level of leather shrinkage due to age, which is why the some fittings are somewhat loose. The chin strap originally would have been flat chin scales, but it was replaced during wartime with a 1914 pattern, as most were.

The front leather visor has brass trim in very good condition, though it does hvae a bend in the middle. The metal spine that descends from the spike’s baseplate to the edge of the rear visor is also in very good condition, though the vent cover is missing. The stitching holding both the front and rear visors is mostly rotted out, but could easily be redone. The rear visor is also depot or regimentally marked: 23. J.-R..

Overall a very nice condition Bavarian Infantry pickelhaube, a great addition to any collection.