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One of the most recognizable symbols of German soldiers during WWI is the Pickelhaube, or spiked helmet. Originally made of leather and featuring a prominent spike on top, these helmets had a fabric cover with the unit or regiment's number and sometimes a crest.
Evolution and Limitations
Initially, the Pickelhaube aimed to combine formality with some degree of protection, but as the war progressed, military planners realized its practical limitations. The leather was imported from Argentina and was susceptible to shortages caused by the British naval blockade, leading to the early replacement of leather with alternative materials like fiberboard, felt, tin, and metal plates.