Pre World War 1 German Steel Helmet

[alan8376]

I thought this picture might be of interest to some forum guys? It is pre WW1 era.

Has anyone seen or come across a German steel helmet like the one depicted in this photo?

I think it was the fore runner of the Pickel Haube.

I came across it during some work searching for a friend for pictures painted by the German Ernst Vollbehr who was a prolific WW1 painter. He is wearing the helmet.

Alan

[davejb]

An early Darth Vader ?

[oradour]

An early Darth Vader ?

The wrong Imperial Empire !!...it is not pre-war either, it is a rendition of the 'Gaede' helm, and was the first attempt to use a steel helmet carried out by Army troop 'Gaede' on the western front in 1915, (Vosges), a local initiative of the Chief of Staff, Colonel Hesse. The metal shield was mounted on a leather helmet (similiar to a pickelhaube) and was quite heavy, at 2 kg, and provided head and nose protection. It never exceeded production of 1500 units. It preceded the Model 1916 Stahlhelm. It was not a fore runner nor a replacement for the Pickelhaube.

[GasMasksUK]

You can get replica ones here: page2 near the bottom of the page

Thanks

Danny

[alan8376]

Yes, you are correct. The Artist is wearing it in 1915.

Alan