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

In Chile it wasn't just the Pickelhaube that they adopted.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r69...ature=youtu.be

Well they got the goose step down pat, but did not see any Lugers. All show and no "BANG'!

A Few Lugers~

A Few More~

And those photos tie into the Pickelhauben theme how?

Most were Imperial~ TKS

Is there ever a bad time to see an Imperial Luger collection?

Hugh wanted to see lugers!

Cirelaw shows the same guns at least once a month.

I have over a hundred pictures. 21 lugers and lots of leather! Over Ten Thousand Posts.
Due to my stroke, I sometimes forget some had been posted in the past!! I suffer from a stroke and subdural hematoma of the brain! I often lose my short term memory! SORRY! I encourage other members to post their favorites and beg for your patience~ Eric

I'll balance out Eric. These are my Picks and Tschapkas.

Wow!! AS Always~ Thank You~Did I mention? I bought mine pretty from YOU~

Eric, sorry for my impatience, had my stroke about six years ago and know some of problems...

Never Is A Good Time~ God Bless You And Your Family!

I have a few. Here are some of them.

I may only have 2 Lugers to date, but I still cherish them and am extremely proud of my burgeoning collection.

Guess I'll join in. Here are some of mine. John

Thank You All~ I would encourage of family to take part in displaying your finest!!

try again

Please Keep Them Coming~~Eric