I noticed today at the imperial war museum that some WW1 German helmets had a bolt/stud protruding outwards from roughly where the temple areas are, and i was wondering if any of you guys knew what they were for, none of the staff new and there was nothing saying what they were for. I thought that it could have been for gas masks to be attached to or something like a flash mask for gunners, could you enlighten me on the subject?
Headbutting! :angry: --- On a more serious note, I think they quite simply are tradition. They are also used in the 19th century, and later during the war they were removed, AFAIK.
hi, The Pickelhaube http://www.kaisersbunker.com/pe/pe.htm It's doesn't explain why they were used though. However it does say that they were introduced by a German King and knowing that all the German Monarchs are bonkers (just see our fine blood line for some great examples) I doubt there was any military reason There are also some examples on this site http://www.stahlhelms.com and it also sells military stuff for those reenactors that use the site. FNG
These bolts are a new feature of the helmets introduced in the German army in 1916. The Pickelhaube used before that didn't have them. Therefore it can't have been a traditional thing.
I was thinking the same, but it does seem like an overly big attachment for this. Does anybody have any more info regarding Merlin's comment?
Yes. When I read the post, I could see no picture, and thought he was reffering to the spike. Thus my post is wrong.
Helmets "The 1916 pattern helmet, fitted with two Ventilation Horns (Studs)onto which the heavy steel brow plate for Snipers and Machine gunners could be hung for added protection! The rivets that hold the liner are in line with the fore head.
stahlhelm No problem Dave, if you look at your photo you will see the riverts that hold the liner. I think it was found that the 'sniper visor' was not practicable. WW1 British tank crew wore a chain mesh face visor to protect from flying bits of tank on the inside!!!
