Fashion Spike Officer Helme JR 95

b.loree

b.loree

Administrator
Staff member
On a previous thread, I talked briefly about officer helmets with extra tall spikes. These are what I call fashion spikes. According to J L Larcade in his volume 1 book on Infantry helmets the fad became so popular that an AKO had to be issued restricting spikes on officer helmets back down to a more acceptable height. This example from my collection comes from JR95 and the spike measures 6 inches from the top of the spike base to the tip of the spike. I welcome other members to post examples of this type of helmets from their collection. Perhaps one of you guys has a bigger spike than this one! Ha Ha!

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An interior shot of the liner. This is a vulcan fibre helmet with oil cloth sweat band and a silk liner which as you can see has seen better days.
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Great helmet, Brian.
Does the spike unscrew? If so, the owner could affix spikes of different heights, depending on the mood of the day. Funny.
Bruno
 
Hi Bruno, Yes the spike does unscrew. Although JR95 did not wear the trichter. Had not thought of your suggestion.
 
Wow, truly a topping helmet! =D>

It is probably a good thing they did not use trichters. If made in matching fashion, it would have caught overhanging archways and bridges.
 
Hmmmm, still have not heard from anyone here with a similar type of spike. Surely there must be some out there in members collections?? I would appreciate a comment if you have a similar one. Thanks, B
 
Thanks guys for posting the pics, good to know there are others out there in great condition.
 
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Not a very good photo, I'm afraid, but you can see the 'fashion' spike on this Saxon officer helmet.

The term 'Fashion Spike' fits very well. I think we should spread that one around a bit!

:D Ron
 
Many thanks Ron, no problem with the foto. Ron et al I was wondering about length and I am not trying to be funny here as I said I measured mine from the top of the spike base and it was 6 inches ( sounds obscene, sorry). I also have a OYV Prussian Dragoon helme in my collection with the older short style officer spike. This measures approx 3.25 inches from spike base. I will post a pic this week end so everyone can see the difference. By the way I just checked my Larcade vol.1 and one can find this informtion on page 22.......the fantacy spikes as he calls them began to appear in 1895. A regulation passed on May15 1899 put an end to these by establishing the height of the officer spike at 9.5 cm. In Larcades opinion the fantasy spike was partially a result of the steady reduction in the height of the pickelhaube shell. B
 
I don't know if I agree with that assessment of the tall spikes (although he's MUCH more knowledgeable than I!). Personally, I'd consider it a true vanity / status symbol. If I were purchasing my own helmet, I'd get as tall of spike as possible... we have to compensate for our shortcomings somehow. :D


Ron
 
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