In 1902, a new cork helmet was introduced for the Austro-Hungarian gendarmerie, replacing the impractical 1899 leather model. After the outbreak of World War I, many gendarmes served as military police and wore their original helmets with their field uniforms. After the widespread introduction of steel helmets in the front lines, even this traditional headgear disappeared due to safety reasons. Helmets produced during the times of war were no longer made of cork and the original leather sweatband was replaced with waxed canvas. The body of the helmet is made of several layers of heavily varnished organdy fabric. The surface is covered with a waxed sand-coloured cotton fabric. The helmet is completed with blackened brass fittings – a spike, a chin guard and a small state emblem of Cisleithania, used after 1915. During deployment under adverse conditions, it was possible to use an inner leather chin guard.