German WWII Imperial Spike Helmet

German WWII Imperial Spike Helmet-This is an interesting spiked helmet. This helmet is dated 1916, and that is the year that the Pickelhaube was discontinued. The spike on these type of helmets became a liability. Not only was it causing damage to horses, but these leather helmets offered little protection against shell fragments and shrapnel. The conspicuous spike made its wearer a target. The men were ordered to remove their spikes when they were on the frontline. This is the latest model, as 1916 was the year that this style was slowly replaced by the steel stahlhelm we are all so familiar with. This helmet is made of dark brown boiled leather. It has some minor crazing and fading but is in overall very nice condition. The spike, Prussian frontal plate, spike base, spine and visor trim are made of steel as per regulation. These have lost all of their original finish but still display nice detailing, and a dark gray tone. The plate shows the crest for Saxony or as it was known then,