Spikeless Pickelhaubes

[Maple Creek]

I thought this was an interesting group photo from a pickelhaube perspective. Notice, no spikes! I'm aware that these helmets were sometimes worn with spikes removed, but can't recall seeing a group photo like this. Maybe this is not uncommon, but I thought it was interesting.

The helmets seem to be brand new, maybe just issued for the picture. Notice the one helmet with a spike on the back right side seems to be an ersatz metal type.

I like the guys in the picture. A lot of them seem to be suppressing smiles as if they're thinking, "This is not a serious thing to be photographed for posterity."

Mark D.

 

[Khukri]

Great photo !
I'd say:
Far too shiny to be leather at all...
Francis

 

[edwin]

In late 1915 it was ordered that pickelhaubes were to be worn without a spike in the front line. Below is a period picture of little Willie inspecting troops during the battle of Verdun. Of interest, the spikes have been removed according to the new regulations.

http://forum.axishistory.com/files/alpenkorps.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[Maple Creek]

Maybe they're metal helmets and the fellow in the back has a felt helmet.

Great photo !
I'd say:
Far too shiny to be leather at all...
Francis

 

[Maple Creek]

I didn't know that - about the late 1915 order to remove spikes on the front line. It would seem that this practice was short lived because around the same time, late 1915, early 1916 steel helmets were introduced and pickelhaubes started to become less common on the front lines.

I'm posting your interesting photo (Alpine troop?) here for our archive.

Mark D.

In late 1915 it was ordered that pickelhaubes were to be worn without a spike in the front line. Below is a period picture of little Willie inspecting troops during the battle of Verdun. Of interest, the spikes have been removed according to the new regulations.

http://forum.axishistory.com/files/alpenkorps.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;