Imperial Bavarian Officer Pickelhaube Helmet

Product Description: A fine Imperial Bavarian Officer Pickelhaube, Model 1897, constructed to full officer standards and retaining its original fire-gilded trim and fittings.

The helmet body is of black lacquered fiber depaheg construction with a squared front visor, displaying excellent form and firm stitching. The exterior lacquer remains clean and glossy, showing no crackling from age, and the shell is completely free of extra holes or later alterations. Inside, the helmet is fitted with officer-quality components: a supple leather sweatband marked with maker Depaheg and a silk headliner with the expected signs of age and wear. As correct for officer issue, the interior visor lining shows the distinctive green underside to the front visor and red underside to the rear.

The exterior trim is of high-quality fire-gilded metal, all fittings precisely matched in tone and never cleaned or polished, preserving the original finish. The distinctive cruciform (cross-shaped) spike base, emblematic of Bavarian officer helmets, is complete with the officer’s pearl ring and removable spike top, secured by gilt star retainers with threaded posts. The large frontplate bears the finely frosted gilt Bavarian lion and shield, affixed with screw-back retainers.

Additional officer appointments include the rounded gilt chinscales on rosettes and the correct two-piece Reichs cockade paired with the Bavarian state cockade. All fire-gilded fittings retain their original brilliance, contributing to the untouched and highly attractive appearance of the helmet.

This Imperial Bavarian Officer Pickelhaube, Model 1897 is a textbook officer example, entirely free of restoration and showing superb preservation. Its combination of untouched fire gilding, officer-quality interior, and strong lacquered body makes it a standout specimen. With its distinctive cruciform spike base and finely executed Bavarian frontplate, this helmet is a choice acquisition for the advanced Imperial German collection.

Historical Description: The Imperial German Pickelhaube is one of the most recognizable military helmets in history, originally introduced in 1842 by King Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia. Made of black lacquered leather with metal fittings, its most distinctive feature is the spike mounted on top, initially intended to deflect saber blows. The front plate, or wappen, typically features the Prussian eagle or other state emblems, varying by region and military branch. These helmets were worn by infantry, cavalry, artillery, and police units throughout the German Empire.

Pickelhauben came in both enlisted and officer variations, with officer models being more ornate—often featuring taller spikes, silver or gilt trim, and lined interiors. Cockades on either side of the helmet denoted the wearer’s national and state allegiance. Though visually impressive, the helmet proved less practical in modern warfare, leading to its gradual replacement by the Stahlhelm during World War I. Today, the Pickelhaube remains a striking symbol of Imperial Germany’s military tradition and is highly valued by collectors for its craftsmanship and historical significance.

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