From Pikelhaube to Steel
 

When did Germany make the change? Tks Eric

1916.

TKS, I looked and the pretty one you sold me has the date '1916'

I have one from 1915, but yeah they changed in 1916 because it turned out that steel does a lot better than leather at protecting soldiers from shrapnel and other battlefield conditions. Combined with the fact that Germany’s leather was running in short supply during the war due to the embargo and that the spike on the Pickelhaube gave away individual soldiers’ positions in the trench lines.

Herr, thank you! What was the spike for?

Pretty But Deadly
 

Made of only leather! What is "JR.111."?

Eric and all:
I have a pikelhaube very similar in features and condition to the one in the photos and am wondering about current market prices. Any ballpark guesses?
dju

Thank You David, Is it all original? I have included a wonderful article showing their history and examples!! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pickelhaube

Infantry Regiment 111

Good Ole George!!!! TKS

George Anderson has supplied me with of my collection. All of my WW1 lugers and accessories, including almost all I post including my 'Way Cool' 1914 DWM Artillery~Sweet! TKS! Your Most Loyal Collector of German WW1!!!!!

Eric:
Yes, I believe mine to be all original. As I recall the chin strap is thinner and probably frail, and the side rosettes are a different color, but the rest looks about right.
dju

As a reference, about a year ago I bought my 1915 JR 82 one with all original parts for around $450. As for the spike, I’ve heard multiple reasons and stories so take them as you will. Most common purposes being for plumes when in parade dress (although that seemed to be more limited to the aristocracy and high ranking officers) and the more far fetched story that somehow they were supposed to help fend off lances from charging cavalry. I’ve also heard some stories that say they were pointed so that in case of close in fighting, you could use it as a weapon to head butt your adversary. Not sure how many of those are true but that’s what I have heard.

Spike?
How about just a "decoration"? Why would it need a purpose?
Head butt with a spike on the top of your head? You're kidding, right? ;)

The Pickelhauben were intended to allow for easier recognition of friendly troops during the chaos of the battlefield.

Interestingly, after Germany's victory over France in 1871, many European and Latin American armies adopted the Pickelhaube as did the US.

Don,
Never said that I agree with the use of the Pickelhauben as head butting weapons, though I’m sure in the chaos that was the Great War SOMEONE tried it. Probably was not very effective though. Regardless, their aesthetics are top notch so I can care less what the real reasons might have been so long as I can collect them. Many units by 1915 had ordered their troops to remove the brass spike when at the front line to help conceal positions.

how about my spike is bigger than your spike....(rank)

Maybe??

There is a forum devoted to spike helmets. It is:

https://www.pickelhaubes.com

G2