Saxe-Coburg-Gotha Infantry Officers Pickelhaube M1861

The Saxe-Coburg-Gotha Infantry had adopted a helmet similar to the Bavarian Raupenhelm in 1853, in 1861 this was replaced by a unique style of Pickelhaube. It was distinguished by a conical spike with a ball top and cruciform base. All fittings were in yellow metal. The front peaked was squared and the front plate was an eight pointed star with crossed swords bearing an enamelled Ernestine crown, surrounded by the motto Fideliter et Constaner ('True and steadfast' in Latin) and laurel wreaths. The cockade worn under the right side chin scale boss was the Saxon white/green/white, while the boss itself showed the face of the Saxon lion. On parade, a white horsehair plume was worn by the 1st Battalion and black by the second. The example shown here is on display at the Military History Museum in Rastatt. It weighs 750g and is 293mm high.

To accompany the Pickelhaube the Saxe-Coburg-Gotha Infantry adopted a Prussian style uniform in dark green with black collar and cuffs. Piping, shoulder straps and the French style vertical panel of the cuffs were in red. Buttons were yellow metal.

During the Austro-Prussian War of 1866, the duchy supported Prussia and her then single battalion saw action at the Battle of Langensalza against the Hanoverian army.

Close up of the front plate, note the officers enamelled centre
Military History Museum, Rastatt