The Purpose of the Pickelhaube Helmet

Germany’s Pickelhaube helmet, distinguished by a sole spike jutting directly from its top, became a symbol of Prussian militarism in the early 20th century. At first look, the unusual spike seems to have served no rational function– indeed, the use of the helmets on the field of battle was ended throughout World War I. This raises the question: what was the “point” of the Pickelhaube in the first place?

 Presented by the Prussian armed forces circa 1843, the Pickelhaube was initially suggested for usage by cavalry soldiers. The helmets, constructed from pressed leather, were created as an updated answer to the conical shako hats donned by Prussians throughout the Napoleonic Wars. Napoleonic-era shakos supplied practically no head protection and were troublesome to wear in wet conditions, as they quickly absorbed rainfall. The Pickelhaube, therefore, was welcomed as a sensible modern invention. The new “leather helmets” or “helmets with spikes” provided soldiers’ more significant head covering and visibility.

It was developed to deflect sword strikes aimed at the head. The spikes could be changed depending on soldiers’ battleground responsibilities and furnished with plumes on official occasions. The helmets could be effortlessly changed to sport symbols of ranking and affiliation.

Nonetheless, the helmet was welcomed with sarcasm and also mockery– also within Germany. The unicorn-style helmet was generally regarded as unique and superficial. In his 1843 satiric poem, “Germany: A Winter’s Tale,” the famous poet Heinrich Heine compared the Pickelhaube to a lightning pole:

” Yes, yes, I like the helmet, it shows the loftiest wit!

A kingly inspiration, it was! Equipped with a point and tip!

I’m simply worried a storm will certainly come as well as only too easily struck,

That romantic crown of yours with an elegant lightning strike!”

The Pickelhaube became a sign of Prussian machismo and battle expertise. An imperial pronouncement in 1871 made the Pickelhaube obligatory for all German soldiers. Boastful and scowling Prussian military leaders with bristling mustaches posed for promotion photos showing off the Pickelhaube, including Kaiser Wilhelm II, Otto von Bismarck, and Paul von Hindenburg. In other countries, the horned helmets became equivalent to barbarism, particularly during World War I.

 The supposedly “contemporary” Pickelhaube did not function well in battle. Although it could have worked for dodging swords, the helmet fell short to stand the test of contemporary firepower. Instances from the Bavarian Army Museum in Ingolstadt demonstrate that the helmet was practically useless against bullets and even more so than shell pieces. It was likewise unwieldy for ordinary soldiers to put on. According to the museum, some regional South German troops resisted the 1871 imperial mandate calling for the Pickelhaube, instead favoring even more comfy fabric caps. Gleaming helmet spikes also presented optimal targets for snipers, which led to several alterations made to camouflage the helmet, consisting of removable spikes.

 The Pickelhaube could additionally confirm unsafe to its very own wearer in battle. A 1924 German surgical book explained one situation of a soldier using a Pickelhaube suffering a severe injury when his helmet spike ended up being embedded in the ground as he dropped; the trauma caused a punctured spleen.

 After staying in operation by German military forces for over 70 years, Prussian military leaders were forced to abandon the Pickelhaube during World War I. Demands for bulletproof and shrapnel-resistant helmets starting in 1914 led to the development of the Stahlhelm– a far more useful invention, which first showed up on the frontlines in 1916 and remained widespread usage by 1917.

Originally published on Historynet.com. Read the original article