The most immediate predecessor to the design was another, earlier German helmet, actually.
"Friedrich Schwerd, an engineering professor, collaborated with August Bier, a surgeon who was using powerful magnets to remove metal fragments from wounded soldiers’ heads. The surgeon had been heartbroken by the terrible brain damage done by pieces no larger than cherry pits. Many initial survivors were dying later in agony. The army command soon brought Schwerd to Berlin on Bier’s recommendation, and Schwerd identified the crucial element for a new metal helmet, a “neck protector which stands away from the neck and extends forward to the temples and over the brow.” He knew his military history, citing the German sallet (Schallernhelm) as his model."
The most immediate predecessor to the design was another, earlier German helmet, actually.
"Friedrich Schwerd, an engineering professor, collaborated with August Bier, a surgeon who was using powerful magnets to remove metal fragments from wounded soldiers’ heads. The surgeon had been heartbroken by the terrible brain damage done by pieces no larger than cherry pits. Many initial survivors were dying later in agony. The army command soon brought Schwerd to Berlin on Bier’s recommendation, and Schwerd identified the crucial element for a new metal helmet, a “neck protector which stands away from the neck and extends forward to the temples and over the brow.” He knew his military history, citing the German sallet (Schallernhelm) as his model."
I just assumed, as a general, you knew your military history :-)
R.
Pssst... I think his military experience is strictly limited to the losing side of the Civil War.
According to Ben, the icon's uniform is based on a Napoleonic model ... my only experience in "the South" is an hour layover at the Kansas City (or St. Louis?) airport ... in February ... while we watched the snowplows ... : )
Plus tips on everything from chin straps to dome stamps.
It claims that its 450+ pages of web text and high quality photos are ready make the website the largest of its kind found anywhere on the internet. I have not done any research to verify the authenticity of this claim, but if I were a gambling man I would not bet against it...
