Baden, Grand Duchy. An Enlisted Personnel Pickelhaube

(Baden Pickelhaube für Mannschaften). A Baden Enlisted personnel Model 1895 Pickelhaube, constructed of a boiled and blackened leather shell. Situated atop the crown is a gilded brass spike perforated around the neck with ventilation holes, and which is secured in place with a baseplate featuring four rivets. A bar of identical construction emanates from the back of the baseplate and extends down to a boiled and blackened leather neck guard. Riveted to the peak is an insignia consisting of a gilded brass plate in the form of a crowned Baden griffin, clutching a sword and shield overlaid by the ducal coat of arms, above a banner bearing an inscription of “MIT GOTT F. FUEST U. VATERLAND” (“WITH GOD FOR PRINCE AND FATHERLAND”). It is flanked by bronze studs which secure in place a black leather chinstrap, adjusted with two functional bronze buckles. Situated beneath the studs are cockades, with the non-magnetic metal left side finished in a Baden red and gold (with the unpainted base metal substituting the latter) colour scheme, while the magnetic metal right side painted in a black, white, and red tri-colour motif. The exterior features are completed with a protruding boiled and blackened leather visor, reinforced along the rim with a gilded brass bar. The interior retains a black leather liner, culminating in right fingers, all perforated at the top with eyelets through which is partially looped a period original drawstring. Partially-legible inscriptions are etched into the interior of the crown, along with a date that appears to read “1888”. Otherwise unmarked, the Pickelhaube measures 17 cm (w) x 24 cm (l) x 21 cm (h). Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include material fatigue throughout the shell and other leather elements, as well as tarnishing and possible replacement of the metal fixtures. It is in an overall fair condition.