The metal Pickelhaube M1853 (development until 1861)
1853 - Cuirassiers
- In the time of use, a serious disadvantage of the externally riveted front visor became evident on the M1843. In the event of rain, water dripped into the wearer's face through a gap between the visor and the helmet shell, which is why the visor was riveted on from the inside when new helmets were purchased (Fig. 1). This eliminated the previous trim on the upper edge of the front visor and the visor measured only 7.2 - 7.3 cm in height and 21.0 - 21.6 cm in width. A related AKO is unfortunately not known, but this helmet type is known as M1853 and the changes affected enlisted men and the officer helmets.
1857
The metal cockade was introduced for enlisted men and officers while the M1843 was still being worn. This happened around the time of the introduction of the leather helmet M1857. The diameter of 7.0 - 7.5 cm was still maintained. The painted ring was about 0.7 cm wide and about 0.9 cm from the outer serrated edge. The officer's cockade still had a silver-plated metal slip-on ring instead of the painted ring.
1860
- As with leather helmets, the AKO of May 10, 1860, introduced the banner „Mit Gott für König und Vaterland" (With God for King and Fatherland) on the helmet plate. The bandeau was soldered onto existing plates as a separate part, but for new productions it was included right away in the embossing.
- Something similar happened with the guard star on the helmet of the cuirassiers, which also received a banner with the inscription „Mit Gott für König und Vaterland", only with the addition „1860". This banner was circular and was woven into the outer part of the rays of the guards' star (Fig. 3). On existing guards stars, which were updated, the banner consisted of several parts.
- The size of the guard star and the eagle emblem remained unchanged. They were also attached to the helmet as before using 2 threaded pins soldered to the back and square nuts.
