Bavarian Chevau-Leger or Field Artillery M1916 Pickelhaube

Rare Bavarian field gray“Mounted Regiment”  helmet Model 1915-16.  This enlisted pattern helmet was used by  soldiers from  Artillery, Chevauxleger and Schwere Reiter Regiments. This “Dragoon Style” helmet with crossed spike base, fluted removable spike and square front visor trim was used immediately after Bavarian adopted the field gray model helmet in late 1915-16.  The helmet is black lacquered leather helmet body with field gray metal trim. The helmet body has fine form and firm stitching. Exterior lacquer has a matte finish. No extra holes in the helmet body.

The interior of the helmet has the EM style leather tongued liner that is undyed leather. The inner visors are plain leather without markings (See Photos).  The frontplate is the large format Bavarian crest with lions, coat of arms and the moot “In Treue Fest”. The frontplate is secured to the helmet by split brads.  Spike base with NCO pearl ring around spike base and split braid retainers. The fluted spike top is removable at the base which is standard for M1916 helmets.  Unusual undyed leather chinstrap mounted on side luds.  Chinstrap looks old but may be a modern-day replacement. Reichs and Prussian EM style cockades. The helmet was made during WWI so the construction is not as fine as pre-war helmets.  Fine and rare model wartime field gray helmet.

(Ref. AoK)