Baden Medical Officer Pickelhaube, Feldartillerie-Regt. Nr. 66, Dr. Siebert

This identified Baden officer’s Pickelhaube represents a seldom-seen branch of Imperial Germany’s military establishment: a medical (veterinary) officer serving with the 4. Badisches Feld-Artillerie-Regiment Nr. 66, Grand Duchy of Baden. Stationed at Lahr and Freiburg im Breisgau, this regiment formed part of the 28th Division, XIV. Armeekorps, headquartered at Karlsruhe. Founded in 1899 as a continuation of Baden’s proud artillery tradition, the regiment was among the youngest in the Grand Duchy but inherited the polished discipline and ceremonial splendor of its predecessors.

The helmet body is formed from black lacquered leather, retaining its correct Baden pattern fittings in bright fire-gilded brass. The frontplate (Wappen) bears the crowned griffin of Baden holding a sword and heraldic shield, surmounted by the motto “MIT GOTT FÜR FÜRST UND VATERLAND” (“With God for Prince and Fatherland”), the distinctive state motto of the Grand Duchy. The furniture—including officer chinscales, trim, spike, base, and star retainers—all gleam with the rich golden hue unique to Baden’s officer-grade finish. The spike itself sits atop a cruciform base with pearl ring, detachable for field use as required by 1897 regulations.

Of particular note is the identification to Dr. Siebert, whose visiting card remains tucked within the helmet’s silk liner—an invaluable piece of provenance seldom preserved in surviving examples. The presence of medical officers within artillery regiments was critical, as each division included veterinary and sanitary officers charged with the welfare of horses and draft animals, indispensable to field artillery mobility. These specialists were commissioned officers wearing the same pattern helmets as combat arms, differentiated only by their medical corps service insignia and regimental association. Dr. Siebert’s assignment to Baden’s 4th Field Artillery reflects the integration of veterinary medicine into the logistical heart of Imperial German warfare.

The helmet retains both Reich and Baden officer kokarden, correctly mounted and of proper Baden form, which differs subtly in contour from Prussian examples. The interior features a brown leather sweatband and cream-colored silk liner, the latter woven in a fine ribbed pattern resembling a stocking texture—typical of Baden officer production. The liner shows honest period wear but no tearing, and all internal hardware is original. Notably, there are no extra or double holes beneath the Wappen, confirming the plate’s original installation and integrity. The lacquered shell exhibits mild surface wear and checking on the right side, consistent with careful age rather than mishandling.

Historically, Feldartillerie-Regiment Nr. 66 served throughout the Great War as part of the XIV Army Corps, participating in early actions in Lorraine and the Western Front. Baden’s artillerymen were regarded for technical precision and discipline, reflecting the Grand Duchy’s long-standing alliance within the Prussian military system while maintaining distinctive state identity in uniform and heraldry. Medical officers like Dr. Siebert played a vital yet often overlooked role, ensuring the health of thousands of horses that powered the guns and supply wagons of the Kaiser’s armies.

This helmet stands as an exceptional example of Baden officer’s craftsmanship, combining artistry, rarity, and provenance. Medical officer Pickelhauben are considerably scarcer than those of line or staff officers, as fewer were commissioned and most saw hard field use. The identified ownership and intact liner card elevate this specimen far beyond standard examples.

Condition is very fine, with bright original gilding, light age wear to the leather body, complete interior, and untouched fittings. All components are original and properly matched. The helmet presents beautifully for display and represents a rare opportunity to acquire a named Baden medical officer Pickelhaube from one of Germany’s lesser-seen Grand Duchies.