Sandmann
Well-known member
Dear friends,
Currently, I prepare a timeline with the development history of the Pickelhaube in Prussia from 1842-1918 for my website. For this I have tried to collect as many original AKO texts as possible, or at least publications from that time as evidences.
In doing so, I came across an interesting but so far apparently unmentioned AKO of April 18, 1884, in which a competition for the improvement of the pickelhaube and other equipment items of the soldiers was to be found. The winner and the 2nd place received 1000 Marks, and the Pickelhaube M87 was the result of this competition.
The article is interesting for me also because the War Ministry says clearly that at that time the Pickelhaube was already not constructed to have a protective effect against the modern weapons or sabres anymore, as it was the case in 1842, as it was no longer listed in the requirements of the new helmet. They just wanted a light helmet that would make the soldier look stately and provide good protection against the weather. Further it should have a good ventilation and not hinder the soldier in shooting with a rifle.
An extract from the requirements states (translated in english):
„The helmet should protect against blinding sunshine and against rain. The lightest possible weight should be aimed for. A firm but not uncomfortable fit on the head, even when the scales are raised and when shooting in a prone position with field-marching equipment. As easy as possible to miss, good ventilation for the head, are other requirements. It is desirable that the helmet contributes to the military appearance of the soldier.“
Source of the pictures: Armee-Verordnungsblatt - Band 18 (1884), page 79-81 (Nr. 75)
Currently, I prepare a timeline with the development history of the Pickelhaube in Prussia from 1842-1918 for my website. For this I have tried to collect as many original AKO texts as possible, or at least publications from that time as evidences.
In doing so, I came across an interesting but so far apparently unmentioned AKO of April 18, 1884, in which a competition for the improvement of the pickelhaube and other equipment items of the soldiers was to be found. The winner and the 2nd place received 1000 Marks, and the Pickelhaube M87 was the result of this competition.
The article is interesting for me also because the War Ministry says clearly that at that time the Pickelhaube was already not constructed to have a protective effect against the modern weapons or sabres anymore, as it was the case in 1842, as it was no longer listed in the requirements of the new helmet. They just wanted a light helmet that would make the soldier look stately and provide good protection against the weather. Further it should have a good ventilation and not hinder the soldier in shooting with a rifle.
An extract from the requirements states (translated in english):
„The helmet should protect against blinding sunshine and against rain. The lightest possible weight should be aimed for. A firm but not uncomfortable fit on the head, even when the scales are raised and when shooting in a prone position with field-marching equipment. As easy as possible to miss, good ventilation for the head, are other requirements. It is desirable that the helmet contributes to the military appearance of the soldier.“
Source of the pictures: Armee-Verordnungsblatt - Band 18 (1884), page 79-81 (Nr. 75)
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