Grand Duchy of Oldenburg
Infantry Pickelhaube M1843


Military History Museum, Rastatt

         
  Oldenburg 1st Infantry Regiment Other Ranks Pickelhaube M1843

The Oldenburg Infantry adopted the Pickelhaube in 1843. It was distinguished by a unique smooth spike rising directly from the cruciform base in white metal, matching all metal fittings. The front peak was rounded and the front plate was an eight pointed white metal star bearing the yellow metal crowned monogram of Grand Duke Peter I of Oldenburg (reigned 1823-29) surrounded by laurel wreaths.

The blue/red/blue Oldenburg cockade was worn under the right side chin scale boss but note also the use of the Federal cockade yellow/red/black on the left side on this example at the Military History Museum in Rastatt. It weighs 650g and is 305mm tall. Oldenburg had formed a 2nd Infantry Regiment in 1830. When this regiment adopted the Pickelhaube it was with yellow metal fittings a crowned A monogram for the reigning Grand Duke August I (reigned 1829-53). The 2nd Regiment was disbanded in 1850.

The Oldenburg Infantry wore this helmet on campaign in the First Schleswig War of 1848-49 (hence the Federal cockade on this example) but it was replaced by a simple kepi in 1864. During the Austro-Prussian War, Oldenburg supported Prussia and her single infantry regiment saw action at the Battle of Hochhausen-Werbach against Baden and other Federal forces.

 


Oldenburg Infantry Pickelhaube c1849
Close up of the front plate bearing the
crowned monogram of Duke Peter of Oldenburg
Military History Museum, Rastatt

 
         


Illustration by Richard Knötel from 'Uniformkunde'

ImperialGermanUniforms.co.uk