Prussian Eagle Helmet-Plate Device — c. 1842–1918 preview

Historical Context

Editorially reviewed

The spiked leather helmet introduced under Friedrich Wilhelm IV in 1842 became closely associated with the Prussian Army and later Imperial German forces. Its front plate communicated state and unit distinctions. Surviving M1895 and M1915 examples demonstrate continued use through the First World War, including wartime changes to fittings, while Guard and grenadier plates retained their own identifying additions.

Provenance: Based on catalogued Imperial War Museums helmets and a separately catalogued Prussian helmet plate. The M1895 and M1915 line helmets document the eagle in context, while Guard examples show the wider wings and applied star. Artwork should select and name one of these patterns instead of combining line and Guard attributes.

Research status: reviewed · reviewed 23/08/2026

Sources

3 references

Badge/helmet plate, German, Prussian
Imperial War Museums, object 30076892. (Imperial War Museums)
Supports: Documents a crowned, spread-wing Prussian eagle plate holding orb and sceptre and bearing the motto ‘Mit Gott für Koenig und Vaterland’.
Pickelhaube, M1895, Prussian O/Rs
Imperial War Museums, object 30100256. (Imperial War Museums)
Supports: Documents the Prussian line eagle plate mounted on an M1895 other-ranks Pickelhaube with Prussian and Reich distinctions.
Pickelhaube, Prussian 1st Guard Regiment of Foot
Imperial War Museums, object 30089813. (Imperial War Museums)
Supports: Documents the distinct Guard-form eagle with wide-swept wings and an enamelled Guard star at its centre.

How to cite this page

Prussian Eagle Helmet-Plate Device — c. 1842–1918. Sanctum Hex Vault. Reviewed 23/08/2026. https://vault.sanctumhex.com/symbols/historically-documented-military-symbols-and-insignia-rank-branch-unit-and-identification-devices-from-c-1700-1918-prussian-eagle-helmet-plate-device-c-1842-1918

https://vault.sanctumhex.com/symbols/historically-documented-military-symbols-and-insignia-rank-branch-unit-and-identification-devices-from-c-1700-1918-prussian-eagle-helmet-plate-device-c-1842-1918

Headgear Device

Prussian Eagle Helmet-Plate Device — c. 1842–1918

A crowned Prussian eagle plate mounted on Pickelhaube helmets, with line, grenadier and Guard forms differing by inscription, breast device and added star.

Part ofHistorically Documented Military Symbols and Insignia (c. 1700–1918)

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