This helmet shaped pin depicts the German version of the steel helmet or "Stahlhelm" and the Iron Cross. The first steel helmets were not produced until January-February 1915 in France and Germany. The German model here displayed, M1916, did not come into full production until February 1916 in time for the Verdun offensive. The generals in France, Britain, and Germany were very slow to learn the importance of steel headgear for combatants. In fact soldiers developed the first rudimentary helmets by placing any hemispherical metal object under their issued headgear for protection.