British Army Home Service Helmet Spike Base

The British Army Home Service Helmet Spike Base is a component used in the assembly of the late 19th and early 20th-century British Home Service helmets. These helmets, recognizable by their distinctive domed shape and dark blue cloth covering, were worn by British Army units for ceremonial and non-combatant roles from 1878 onwards. The spike base is a circular or octagonal metal fitting, typically constructed from brass, designed to anchor the decorative helmet spike to the helmet’s crown. It is affixed to the helmet shell and provides a secure foundation for the removable spike attachment. The presence and style of the spike base often vary according to regimental distinctions and rank. This component is of interest to collectors, historians, and restorers seeking authentic original fittings for Home Service pattern helmets. The spike base forms an essential part of the helmet’s overall design, contributing both to its structural integrity and period appearance.