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Title Baden Landwehr pickelhaube plate
Nationality German
Period c 1914
Sold

This would have been mounted on the last pattern pickelhaube as worn in WW1. The original pickelhaube was introduced into the Prussian army in 1848 and was successively modified right through 1914 and beyond, the height of the helmet being repeatedly reduced. In 1871, Baden army units were absorbed into the German army.

The cross in white metal superimposed on the plate indicates that it is Landwehr, who were the first reserve units. The last reserve were called the Landsturm.

This plate, in griffin form, is the penultimate pattern, the very last one being in grey painted pressed tin. This pattern was introduced in about 1896, with the last pattern pickelhaube which went on to serve throughout WW1 in grey metal, brass and also in an ersatz format with a stiffened felt shell. There was also a shell in pressed steel which normally had brass or gilding metal mounts.

The centre device is slightly loose, because one of the holding pins has been lost. It has also been flattened for display on a board, a fairly typical fate, but is otherwise in nice condition and would appear to be made of pressed gilding metal.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.


[Militaria : Badges : German : 20th Century]

testimonials

The sword came in untouched [pristine] condiotion. Thank you very much. I am looking forward to next time.

P S, Czech Republic, 23.09.2013

The bayonet is a splendid addition to my collection...

C T, UK, 03.12.2008

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