Evolution of the German spiked helmet
• 1842: Introduction of the spiked helmet.
• 1844: Introduction of the ball finial for artillery regiments.
• 1857: Reduction in overall size and weight of helmet (2 cm shorter).
• 1860: Significant reduction in size of helmet (4cm). Spike and base also reduced in size.
• 1867: Radically different helmet design. Front visor now has round metal edging with the spike base also being round. The back spine is completely eliminated.
• 1871: Back spine is re-introduced.
• 1887: New style helmet for enlisted model helmet. Metal front visor trim removed and replaced with a hardened curled leather edge. Chinscale rosettes are replaced with a hook retention system. Pearl ring at spike base is removed.
• 1891: Metal front visor trim re-introduced. M-87 chinscale hooks replaced with lug retainer (M91 side lug) for a leather chinstrap.
• 1895: Reduction in size and weight of helmet (body now 12.5 cm tall). The front plate is now attached to the helmet body with 2 small metal loops behind the plate. The loops are affixed with small leather wedges in the back. Back spine for enlisted pattern helmets of foot troops was fitted with a ventilation sleeve (Mounted troops received the vented back spine in 1904). This helmet model was worn by enlisted troops at the outbreak of WWI.
• 1897: Introduction of the black/white/red Reichs cockade to be worn in conjunction with the state cockade.
• 1915: Modification to the M1895 enlisted pattern helmet. Introduction of matte gray oxidized steel to replace bright metal trim. Spike also made to be removable at base by a bayonet lock mechanism.