Today for Gus’ Gear, I have a Baden M1895 Filzhelm. Ersatz helmets were produced when it became apparent that a large number of soldiers would have to be uniformed and equipped. The bodies for leather Pickelhauben required specialized manufacturers and time to form, shape, dry and finish. A number of different types of emergency helmets were produced, one of the most common was the felt helmet. They could be produced by any company that made felt hats and rather quickly.
The front view of the Baden M1895 Filzhelm shows the Wappen that was unique to the State of Baden, with a winged Griffen holding a sword and shield. The Bandeau at the bottom of the Wappen has the State motto; “Mit Gott F. Fuerst U. Faterland” (with God for Prince and Fatherland.) This helmet was manufactured before shortages of tin caused a change to steel fittings, as all the fittings on this helmet are brass. The spike is not removable and the helmet would have been covered with a cloth Uberzeug while in the field.
The view of the left side of the helmet shows the Baden Kockarde with yellow, red and yellow colors. The yellow portion is lacquered brass. The chin strap is original, although missing a small portion on this side as well as one of the brass adjusting buckles. This strap looks like it has been with the helmet for its life, so I will probably not upgrade it.
The view of the right side shows the Reichskockarde, painted black, white and red.
The view of the liner shows the type of liner found in all enlisted Pickelhauben. The reinforcement plate under the spike base is also visible as well as how the split pin studs are fixed to attach them. The distortion shown here is fairly common to felt helmets that have been stored on their side with no support for the body. This is not a problem, and correct display on a head form will eventually restore the original shape to the body.