M1895 Pickelhaube of the Grand Duchy of Baden for Enlisted Ranks and NCOs

The M1895 Pickelhaube of the Grand Duchy of Baden was the Baden state version of the leather spiked helmet worn within the Imperial German Army. This configuration was primarily intended for enlisted ranks and non-commissioned officers of infantry and other foot troops, while individual branches and specialist formations could employ different fittings.

The historical helmet was constructed around a pressed-leather shell with a glossy black exterior finish. The front and rear peaks were stitched to the body and fitted with the appropriate metal edging and reinforcement. Its distinctive conical spike was mounted on a circular base secured at four points. A metal spine reinforced the rear of the shell and, on helmets for foot troops, could incorporate a sliding ventilation device.

The principal identifying feature was the large Baden state helmet plate, normally manufactured from brass or another yellow-finished metal. It depicted a winged griffin holding a sword and supporting the Baden shield. In its coloured heraldic form, the shield displayed a red diagonal bend on a gold field. A scroll beneath the griffin carried the motto “Mit Gott für Fürst und Vaterland,” meaning “With God for the sovereign and fatherland.”

The griffin distinguished Baden helmets from those of the other states forming the German Empire. The plate was commonly attached by rear wire loops passing through the leather shell and secured internally with small leather wedges. The standard griffin plate identifies the helmet with the Baden contingent, but does not establish a particular regiment without additional devices or unit markings.

The regulation chinstrap for this version was made of black leather and attached to the lateral M91 posts. The cockades were positioned beneath these fittings: from 1897, the black-white-red Imperial cockade was worn on the right, with the yellow-red-yellow Baden state cockade on the left. The interior used a leather liner divided into adjustable tongues and closed by a drawstring. Helmets were manufactured in distinct sizes; the drawstring provided only limited adjustment within the original size.

Following the military convention concluded with Prussia in 1870 and the reorganisation of 1871, Baden’s forces were incorporated directly into the Prussian Army system and formed the core of the XIV Army Corps. They nevertheless retained their territorial insignia. The general construction of the helmet consequently followed Prussian model developments, while the Baden griffin preserved a visible state identity.

For field service, the Pickelhaube could be covered by a cloth helmet cover, intended to conceal the glossy shell and reflective metal fittings. Simplified versions and substitute materials appeared during the First World War. The later M1915 introduced grey metal fittings and a removable spike, while the Pickelhaube was progressively replaced in front-line service by the steel helmet from 1916.

Curiosity: the Baden motto used “Fürst” rather than the Prussian “König.” This wording reflected Baden’s status as a Grand Duchy, ruled by a grand duke, and made the state’s constitutional identity visible on the helmet itself.