Pickelhaube - Modifications during 1871-1886
23.11.1871:
Introduction of the M71 helmet for infantry, artillery and pioneers:
- The height of the helmet was still about 23 to 26 cm and still weighed around 500 to 700 g.
- Re-introduction of the rear spine, as its elimination took away some stability of the helmet. But this time without the 2 attachment bolts. The fastening was done by 2 pins, soldered to the inner side. Outside it was now just a smooth surface.
- Introduction of the split pin rosettes for officers' helmets. The officers' chinscales were now attached to the helmet by means of a split pin soldered to the inside of the rosette. This eliminated the need to drill into the officer's rosettes and made them look more attractive.
- During the Franco-Prussian War from 1870/71, it was recognized that the slider-system with eyelets for the Eagle plate was not practical, since it was often lost in field use. Therefore, it was replaced again by the soldered threaded pin with square nut.
20.01.1881:
Introduction of the M71 helmet for enlisted men of „Landwehr“ infantry.
- The introduction took place gradually. The remaining „Landwehr“ infantrymen retained the shako for the time being.
