Wuttemberg pickelhaube stamp

[DPWICK]

I have a very nice Wurttemberg M-95 Mannschaften pickelhaube, with a currious stamp. KBAG 1914. Question is: why would a non-Guard helmet be stamped by the KBAG. Joe Robinson tells me he has seen this stamp on other non-Guard helmets, though he has no idea why. Perhaps they had a supply contract for certain items? This helmet was also made by a previously unknown firm, Gustav Rohricht, Berlin, which may or may not have something to do with it. Does anyone have any thoughts on this seemingly odd stamp?

[oradour]

DPWICK...my take on this would be possible "after the battle" recycling, it was common practiceespecially at the begining of the war for forage/clean-up parties to sweep the battlefield shortly after the victors had moved on....everything found in good condition (from packs, helmets, weapons, etc) was sent back to stores (after being evaluated/repaired), not necessarily to the issuing Regiment, where it would be modified for future use by that "finding" Regiment and re-issued at a later date. So your Guard helmet became a Wurttemburg helmet, stamps were usually crossed out and a new mark stamped, however this usually occured when it was re-issued to a man, I guess this one either got overlooked or remained in store.
Just for reference, the marking "K.B.A.G" stands for "Kriegs-Bekleidungsamt Gardekorps" meaning the Guard Corps wartime clothing department.
Prost ! Steve.

[DPWICK]

Hi Steve,
Yes, that's a good point. There isn't any marking on the helmet surface to indicate a Guard Wappen having been fitted, but then it wouldn't leave an impression if it was only on for a short time. That is a very possible suggestion. Thanks for that. Denton