M1895 Pickelhaube of the Kingdom of Württemberg for Enlisted Ranks and NCOs

The M1895 Pickelhaube of the Kingdom of Württemberg was worn by enlisted ranks and non-commissioned officers of Württemberg formations serving within the Imperial German Army. Although constructed according to the general German leather helmet pattern, it retained a clearly recognisable state identity through its front plate and Württemberg cockade.

Following the establishment of the German Empire in 1871, the Kingdom of Württemberg retained its own military administration and several distinctive uniform traditions. Its formations principally constituted the XIII Royal Württemberg Army Corps, while remaining integrated into the Imperial German military structure.

The historical helmet had a shell of pressed leather lacquered black, with separate front and rear visors stitched to the main body. A conical metal spike was mounted on a circular base normally secured by four fasteners.

Its principal identifying feature was the large Württemberg state plate. This displayed the crowned royal shield supported by a stag and a heraldic lion. The shield incorporated the three superimposed stag antlers of the House of Württemberg and the three Hohenstaufen lions representing the former Duchy of Swabia.

Beneath the arms appeared the motto “Furchtlos und trew,” meaning “Fearless and faithful.” The stag referred to Württemberg and its ruling dynasty, while the lions represented the Swabian and Hohenstaufen heritage of the kingdom.

On issue helmets for enlisted ranks and NCOs, the plate, spike, front visor trim and rear reinforcing spine were normally manufactured from yellow metal, generally brass or a comparable alloy. The front plate was usually fitted with rear loops passing through the shell and secured internally by small leather wedges.

The regulation chinstrap was made from black leather and attached to M1891 side posts. Privately purchased helmets and versions intended for certain senior NCO grades could display more finely finished fittings, distinctive cockade details or different chinstrap arrangements.

From 1897, the black-white-red Imperial cockade was worn on the right side and the black-red-black Württemberg state cockade on the left. The state cockade could also appear as a red disc with a black edge. Together, the two cockades represented allegiance to the German Empire and the Kingdom of Württemberg.

The interior normally contained a tongued leather liner tightened by a drawstring. This allowed limited adjustment, but the helmets were still manufactured in different shell sizes. Size numbers, makers’ marks, dates, depot stamps and unit markings could appear inside the shell or on the rear visor.

During manoeuvres and active service, the Pickelhaube was covered with a light-coloured or grey-green cloth Überzug. This concealed the glossy leather shell and reflective metal fittings. The cover could display the regiment’s number; initially red numerals were subsequently changed to green and later frequently omitted.

The Württemberg arms establish the helmet’s state affiliation but do not, by themselves, identify a particular regiment. A more precise attribution requires additional plate devices, verifiable issue markings, a numbered helmet cover or associated uniform details.

Wartime shortages led to the production of Ersatz helmets from felt, sheet metal and pressed materials. In 1915, non-reflective grey fittings and a removable spike were introduced. From 1916 onward, the Pickelhaube was progressively replaced in front-line service by the Stahlhelm.

Curiosity: the spelling “trew” on the helmet plate is not an error. It is the historical form of the modern German word “treu” and was deliberately retained in the official motto of the Kingdom and Royal House of Württemberg.