Leather Armor? (NO HOLDS BARRED!!)

[Felix]

The pickelhaube was not valued for its defensive value, as far as I can tell. The US army went through a phase of using this kind of headgear in the 1870's as a parade uniform; before this the kepi was standard wear (i.e. in the Civil War). Later, broadbrim felt hats were worn. This was all a matter of fashion - France was considered the leading European army in the mid-century, then it was beaten by the Prussians; and suddenly Prussian style headgear became the rage.

When it was decided real protection was needed in WWI, armies adopted real (steel) helmets.