Original Item. Only One Available. This is a gorgeous example of an Imperial German 2nd Grand Duchy of Baden Grenadier Regiment Nr 110 Officers Pickelhaube with Parade Bush in great condition retaining its polished brass Baden state officer’s wappen plate in the center. This example is particularly nice, in that it is mounted with an original correct Trichter (Funnel) and black grenadier Haarbusch (parade plume). From our research, the black brush plume was worn in parades by the officers of the 2nd Baden Grenadier Regiment number 110.

This helmet features a polished brass front plate (wappen) with the Crowned Heraldic Griffin clutching a sword and resting on the Baden state shield. Below this is the Grand Duchy's motto: MIT GOTT F. FUERST U. VATERLAND (With God for Prince, or Grand Duke, and Fatherland). The helmet bears both the red, white, and black national cockade as well as the red and gold state cockade for Baden. The interior features a fine quality tan leather sweatband and artificial silk lining which is in fair shape overall although the silk lining is breaking on one side. 96 is written on a tag on the interior shell, which may be the size.

The helmet does have a bit of damage as well. The back spine has come out of the helmet shell and is missing the retaining nut, and there is a fair amount of cracking to the dome, with the spike base sinking in slightly. This helmet would be best mounted on a head. The plume is in great shape overall but some of the hair does come off if handled too much, so caution should be taken.

This is a fantastic example of an Imperial German Baden parade helmet, ready for further research and display!

The Pickelhaube-
Germany’s Pickelhaube helmet, distinguished by a lone spike jutting straight from its top, became a symbol of Prussian militarism in the early 20th century. Introduced by the Prussian military in 1843, the Pickelhaube was originally proposed for use by cavalry troops. The helmets, made of pressed leather, were developed as an updated solution to the conical shako hats worn by Prussians during the Napoleonic Wars. Napoleonic-era shakos offered virtually no head protection and were cumbersome to wear in wet conditions, as they easily soaked up rain. The Pickelhaube, therefore, was greeted as a practical modern invention. The new “leather helmets” or “helmets with spikes” gave soldiers’ greater head covering and visibility.

The distinctive spike on the Pickelhaube was supposed to function as a blade tip. It was designed to deflect sword blows aimed at the head. The spikes could be modified depending on soldiers’ battlefield duties and outfitted with plumes on formal occasions.

Use of the helmet became widespread throughout Germany and was even adopted by regional police forces and fire brigades. The helmet was often greeted with sarcasm and mockery, even within Germany. In 1843, the famous German poet, Heinrich Heine, wrote and published a satiric poem, “Germany: A Winter’s Tale,” in the poem, Heine compared the Pickelhaube to a lightning rod:

“Yes, yes, I like the helmet, it demonstrates the loftiest wit!
A kingly inspiration, it was! Complete with a point and tip!
I’m just afraid a storm will come and only too easily hit,
That romantic crown of yours with a fancy lightning blitz!”

The Pickelhaube became a symbol of Prussian aggressiveness and battle prowess. An imperial proclamation in 1871 made the Pickelhaube mandatory for all German troops. Proud Prussian military leaders with bristling mustaches posed for publicity photos sporting the Pickelhaube, including Kaiser Wilhelm II, Otto von Bismarck, and Paul von Hindenburg. In other countries, the horned helmets became synonymous with barbarism, especially during World War I.