The Imperial German Army went to war in 1914 wearing leather Pickelhaube helmets with brass trims and spikes. However, the ensuing sea embargo meant that leather was soon difficult to purchase and brass had become a valuable commodity as it was needed to make shell casings. Spikes were deemed impractical for trench warfare. Thus, helmets in the style of this example became more commonplace, with replaceable spikes and steel trims.