Norwegian Military Spiked Helmet Cap Plate M1888/1891

This Norwegian Military Spiked Helmet Cap Plate M1888/1891 is a rare and historically significant insignia used on the iconic spiked helmets of the Norwegian Army in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Constructed from gilt brass, the plate features a radiant starburst design crowned with the royal crown of Norway, signifying service under the monarchy.

At the center of the shield is the Norwegian lion, standing upright with battle axe in hand—a heraldic symbol of Norway since the Middle Ages, representing strength, courage, and sovereignty. The shield is framed by laurel wreaths, a traditional military emblem of honor and victory.

This specific design was introduced with the Model 1888/1891 spiked helmets, worn by infantry and artillery units. The plates were attached to the front of the helmet and served as both an identification emblem and a symbol of national pride. The reverse shows the original soldering and attachment fittings, confirming authenticity as a genuine period piece.

Examples of these cap plates are increasingly scarce, as they were retired in the early 20th century when Norwegian military uniforms were modernized. Collectors of Scandinavian militaria, spiked helmets, or 19th-century European military insignia will value this as a fine example of Norway’s martial heritage.

Measuring approximately standard helmet plate size and crafted with strong detail, this emblem represents a tangible link to Norway’s late 19th-century armed forces and the evolution of European military dress.