A
Anonymous
Guest
Hello All:
I enjoyed a brief phone conversation with Mr. Brian Loree Saturday night, and he initiated a discussion on the shared characteristics between the Pickelhaube and the British Home Service Helmet. Since I acquired one of these recently, the conversation seemed particularly well timed. I haven't had much success engaging participation in this subject in the past, so this is my final effort. Hereafter, the subject will never darken these pages again.
After the Regency period, military fads and fashions appeared to be highly imitative. For example, Lancers of all nations adopted and adapted the Polish Czapka. Hussars wore busbies, etc. Prussia introduced the Pickelhaube in 1842, and a headdress so extraordinay was, likewise, destined to be copied.
Suprisingly, there is scant published information on the Home Service Helmet; therefore, most of the following will be sketchy.
The blue cloth covered cork helmet was first introduced in 1878. The profile of the helmet was quite reminiscent to the Modell 1856 Pickelhaube with the contour of the front visor providing the major exception. The cloth cover was sewn together from four panels. The helmet was issued to other ranks; the officer's helmet was privately purchased. The furniture on both issued and private purchase helmets was brass; however, officer helmets were enhanced by mercury gilding (Is this starting to sound familiar?). The helmet was fitted with a spike for infantry, and a ball for artillery, engineers, medical corps, and veterinary corps. However, I have seen period photographs of artillery and engineer helmets with spikes, so, clearly, there appears no absolute here. In 1879, The helmet was adpted for Foreign Service and covered in White Cloth. By the time of the Sudan campaigns and Anglo Boer Wars, a Khaki version had emerged.
The spike or ball were threaded to a cruciform base containing four ventilation holes. The base was secured to the helmet by threaded retainers bearing a Lancastrian/Tudor Rose motif. The Rose (Rosette) also served as the method for attaching the chainmail chinstrap. The helmets were equipped with rear spines, and, for officers, brass visor trim. The interior of the helmet featured green undervisors and a leather sweatband and adjustable silk crown.
In 1902, the helmet was modified as the Crown of Edward VII replaced that of Queen Victoria.
Like the Pickelhaube, the appearance of the Home Service Helmet evolved over time as the height of the helmet was reduced. Below is a side by side comparison of a Royal Engineers helmet (left) and a Royal Artillery helmet (right). The Artillery helmet is the older example. Note the difference in height and the shape of the visor trim. Both helmets are pre-1902.
Side view:
Royal Artillery cruciform: the roses are separate from the base.
Royal Engineers Cruciform: the roses are an integral part of the base.
Close-up of the rosette. The hook brings to mind the design of the Modell 1887 Pickelhaube.
Apologies for the poor focus. Note the distinct contours of the neck visors. Again, the RE helmet is on the left.
If you've stuck with this post until the bitter end, you might be surprised to learn the Royal Engineers helmet is also a General's helmet. Unlike the German model, there is neither a special top nor an enameled helmet plate. Should anyone inquire, I will happily reveal the identity of the General this helmet belonged to.
Chas.
I enjoyed a brief phone conversation with Mr. Brian Loree Saturday night, and he initiated a discussion on the shared characteristics between the Pickelhaube and the British Home Service Helmet. Since I acquired one of these recently, the conversation seemed particularly well timed. I haven't had much success engaging participation in this subject in the past, so this is my final effort. Hereafter, the subject will never darken these pages again.
After the Regency period, military fads and fashions appeared to be highly imitative. For example, Lancers of all nations adopted and adapted the Polish Czapka. Hussars wore busbies, etc. Prussia introduced the Pickelhaube in 1842, and a headdress so extraordinay was, likewise, destined to be copied.
Suprisingly, there is scant published information on the Home Service Helmet; therefore, most of the following will be sketchy.
The blue cloth covered cork helmet was first introduced in 1878. The profile of the helmet was quite reminiscent to the Modell 1856 Pickelhaube with the contour of the front visor providing the major exception. The cloth cover was sewn together from four panels. The helmet was issued to other ranks; the officer's helmet was privately purchased. The furniture on both issued and private purchase helmets was brass; however, officer helmets were enhanced by mercury gilding (Is this starting to sound familiar?). The helmet was fitted with a spike for infantry, and a ball for artillery, engineers, medical corps, and veterinary corps. However, I have seen period photographs of artillery and engineer helmets with spikes, so, clearly, there appears no absolute here. In 1879, The helmet was adpted for Foreign Service and covered in White Cloth. By the time of the Sudan campaigns and Anglo Boer Wars, a Khaki version had emerged.
The spike or ball were threaded to a cruciform base containing four ventilation holes. The base was secured to the helmet by threaded retainers bearing a Lancastrian/Tudor Rose motif. The Rose (Rosette) also served as the method for attaching the chainmail chinstrap. The helmets were equipped with rear spines, and, for officers, brass visor trim. The interior of the helmet featured green undervisors and a leather sweatband and adjustable silk crown.
In 1902, the helmet was modified as the Crown of Edward VII replaced that of Queen Victoria.
Like the Pickelhaube, the appearance of the Home Service Helmet evolved over time as the height of the helmet was reduced. Below is a side by side comparison of a Royal Engineers helmet (left) and a Royal Artillery helmet (right). The Artillery helmet is the older example. Note the difference in height and the shape of the visor trim. Both helmets are pre-1902.
Side view:
Royal Artillery cruciform: the roses are separate from the base.
Royal Engineers Cruciform: the roses are an integral part of the base.
Close-up of the rosette. The hook brings to mind the design of the Modell 1887 Pickelhaube.
Apologies for the poor focus. Note the distinct contours of the neck visors. Again, the RE helmet is on the left.
If you've stuck with this post until the bitter end, you might be surprised to learn the Royal Engineers helmet is also a General's helmet. Unlike the German model, there is neither a special top nor an enameled helmet plate. Should anyone inquire, I will happily reveal the identity of the General this helmet belonged to.
Chas.
