Baden Bicycle Abteilung Enlisted Shako

** Rare Baden 75th Bicycle Company Model 1895-1914**
In 1894, the first 18 Bicycle Companies were established by the Imperial German Army. In WWI, cycling troops reached their widest distribution due to the lack of motorization and the increased need for speed of movement. In August of 1914 an additional 65 other companies were formed. The 75th Bicycle Company was attached to the 75th Baden Reserve Division. The helmet was described as a Prussian style 1895 shako with brass metal trim. The frontplate was the Baden Griffon. The field badge was yellow with a red center. (see Jean Louis Lacarde, Casques a Pointe’ 1842-1918, 1983-Paris. Pages 137 and 141)
This helmet was recently obtained by Age of Kings from the estate of an old collector. This helmet is a Baden 75th Bicycle Company, Enlisted Man circa 1914. Standard black leather EM style shako with brass metal trim. The shako is in excellent condition with perfect form and firm stitching. Exterior lacquer is matte with age but has no damage. The interior of the helmet has a undyed leather EM style tabbed liner. There are no legible markings visible inside the helmet. There are no extra holes in the helmet body. The frontplate is the Baden Griffon in brass metal. The frontplate is adhered to the helmet body with screw through non-grommeted holes. Original leather chinstrap with brass metal trim on M1892 side lugs. A Reichs black/white/red cockade (repainted) on the right side of helmet. Baden EM style Yellow and Red cloth field badge. This is an extremely rare company sized unit. Untouched and original.