The variety of spiked helmets during the period prior to the end of WWI in November 1918 makes it difficult to show each pattern of helmet used by the German imperial army. However, this page should help you identify any helmet found in an attic, a garage or an estate sale. If you’re not patient or havn’t time to scroll down the page, just send me an email with some pics and I’ll make the identification : imperialhelmets@yahoo.com

THE FIRST STEP IS TO IDENTIFY THE STATE. Imperial Germany was divided into kingdoms, duchies, etc. The largest were the kingdoms of Prussia, Bavaria, Saxony, Württemberg, and the grand duchies of Baden, Hesse-Darmstadt and Mecklenburg. Prussia’s symbol was an eagle and the motto «Mit Gott, Für Koenig und Vaterland», Bavaria’s was the state coat-of-arms flanked by two rampant lions with the motto «In treue fest», Saxon helmets used a starburst with the state coat-of-arms in the center, Württemberg was represented by a state coat-of-arms flanked by a rampant lion and stag with the motto “Furchtlos und trew”, Baden used a griffin and the motto « Mit Gott, Für Fuerst und Vaterland » and Hessen used a rampant lion holding a sword surrounded by oak leaves, sometimes with the motto “Gott ehre vaterland”. Nearly all the other “small” German states had been integrated into the Prussian army after its victories against Austro-Hungary in 1866 and France in 1870-71. Thereafter, they wore the Prussian eagle. Unfortunately, for the owner of an unidentified helmet (but most pleasing to collectors), many of these small states kept some reference to their origin, often on the helmet plate. The last important element that the Prussian army used to distinguish the oldest and most prestigious regiments was the addition of a distinction to the uniform, such as, « Litzen » (braid) on the collar and cuffs for Guard units, or a special helmet plate. For instance, some regiments that traced their lineage to units that fought in the wars against Napoleon had helmet plates with references to Waterloo, the Peninsula campaign, Venta del Pozo, Gorhde etc.

See the chapter “ Front plate ”

THE SECOND STEP IS TO IDENTIFY THE TYPE OF UNIT. As with many armies at the beginning of the XXth century, there were differences between the headgear of foot troops and mounted troops. Foot troops, such as infantry and pioneers, wore leather spiked helmets; Jägers (light infantry) and communication troops a leather tshako, artillery (foot and field) wear a similar helmet but with a ball in place of the spike. Among the mounted troops (except the field artillery, as previously described), dragoons wore a leather spiked helmet, similar to that of the infantry, but with a square cornered front visor. Heavy cavalry (Kürassier, Saxon Garde Reiter, etc.), part of the light cavalry (Jager zu Pferde) wore a metal spiked helmet with lobster tail, while ulans (light cavalry = lancers) wear a Tschapka, with leather shell similar to that of the infantry spiked helmet, but with mortar board top and no rear visor. The hussars wore a fur busby (”Pelzmütze”). A secondary key for identifying the type of unit is the colour of the metal fittings, which were either brass (sometimes gilt) or silver. A leather spiked helmet bearing a brass eagle is likely an infantry example, while the same helmet with silver fittings is most likely a pioneer helmet.

See the chapter “Shell ”

THE THIRD STEP IS TO IDENTIFY THE RANK. Other ranks helmets are often misidentified as officer helmets. The first visible difference can be found on the front plate. When the plate bears a crown, the officer’s crown is voided (pierced), while those of other ranks are solid. Plates that bear enamelled insignia are for officers. Officer’s spikes are usually thinner and taller, and the “egg & dart” Perlring around the neck of the spike is accompanied by star-shaped spike base brads. Officer’s cockades include a silvered or golden colored raised ring. The officer’s helmet liner, is composed of an internal leather sweatband and a silk skull-cap. Another minor difference that can be noted is underside of the visors, which are lined for officers. Chinscales can be found on both officer’s and, in some cases, other rank’s helmets.

See the chapter “Lining ”

THE LAST STEP IS TO IDENTIFY THE PROPER UNIT TO WHICH THE HELMET WAS ASSIGNED. Officers were required to outfit themselves and those of the other ranks could purchase extra quality helmets. These personal belongings did not bear any  govermental property markings. The army administration provided the enlisted soldier with a complete kit and uniform. These items were normally purchased from private industry or manufactured in government owned facilities. In order to track these items, they were marked upon reception, with a code designating the unit (Regiment, battalion, company etc), the year of reception, and the number “grade” of the item. A new item would receive a grade stamp (Garniturstempel) of I, while subsequent downgrades added numbers (II, III, etc.), indicating the suitable uses. For instance, a grade of “III” would indicate that a helmet was only suitable for field maneuvers.

See the chapter “markings”

Enjoy your visit, Stephane Dekerle