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| The Model 1867 Pickelhaube |
| As a direct result of experience gained in the war with Austria and Hannover in 1866, changes were required which were intended to simplify production and reduce the cost of manufacturing the Pickelhaube. |
The cruciform spike base was changed to a round base secured with split brads bent back against the inside of the helmet, the square front peak was changed to a rounded one, and the rear spine was removed to reduce the amount of brass used in construction.
As a result of the removed rear spine, earlier helmets that had been sewn up the rear, were reversed so the helmet plate would cover the stitching and new visors were attached in the reverse positions. These modified helmets show extensive re-working with plugged holes on the rear from the old eagle Wappen and on the top from the removed cruciform spike base.
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M1867 Oldenberg Infantry Regiment 91 | |
A notable change was with the method for retaining the eagle Wappen (front plate). The threaded bolts on the reverse of the Wappen were replaced with two sliders that slid into two corresponding mounts secured to the outside of the helmet.
The final modification, was the reduction in size of the stamped metal Mannschaften Kokarden for Sergeant and below to 51mm to reflect the reduced height of the helmet shell. |
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| Click on the thumbnail picture for a larger picture and a full explanation. |
Front Wappen
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Spike Base
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Side & Liner
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Plate Slides
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Plate Slides
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| Exceptions to the Model 1867 Pickelhaube |
| Although Line units such as Infantry, Artillery, Pioneer, Train (Supply), and Verkehrstruppen (please see Glossary for details) adopted the round spike base and visor in 1867, Dragoner (Dragoons) continued to use cruciform spike bases and squared front visors. Some members of the German Empire such as Hessen and some Württemberg units utilized a combination. As this essay is limited to the Kingdom of Preußen, please see the On-Line Guide to Imperial German Pickelhauben for details on helmets from other contingents.
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| References |
