Image of the Air Force wings with the museum name underneath

Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week
FREE Admission & Parking

Prussian Cavalry Officer Helmet

Note: This item is currently in storage.

 

This spiked helmet, known as a pickelhaube (“point” and “bonnet or headgear”), was originally designed by King Frederick Wilhelm IV of Prussia in 1842. This helmet design was popular among the Russian and German militaries and police prior to and during World War I. 

 

A variation of it is still seen today. British police officers on duty in England and Wales wear a custodian helmet, which has a small rounded spike or bump. Most other countries (Colombia, Portugal, Sweden, etc.) still using this style of helmet do so for ceremonial purposes.

 

Capt. Edward V. Rickenbacker, America’s highest scoring ace of WWI, brought this Prussian cavalry officer’s helmet home as a wartime souvenir. It is unknown how he attained it.

Donated by the Capt. Edward V. Rickenbacker Estate.

Click here to return to the Featured World War I Artifacts index.

 

Find Out More
Line
Related Fact Sheets
Capt. Edward V. Rickenbacker
Kaiser Wilhelm II Cigarette Case
Line
Note: The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the National Museum of the USAF, the U.S. Air Force, or the Department of Defense, of the external website, or the information, products or services contained therein.