Tombac, or tombak, is a brass alloy with high copper content and 5–20% zinc content. Tin, lead or arsenic may be added for colouration.
It is a cheap malleable alloy mainly used for medals, ornament, decoration and some munitions.
In older use, the term may apply to brass alloy with a zinc content as high as 28–35%.
Ottoman tombac ewer and basin set – 1870 – Collection of Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum – Brought to museum in 1926 from the tomb of Sultana Pertevniyal
A "bronze" medal (actually tombac) from the 1980 Summer Olympics
The Pickelhaube, also Pickelhelm, is a spiked leather or metal helmet that was worn in the 19th and 20th centuries by Prussian and German soldiers of all ranks, firefighters and police. Although it is typically associated with the Prussian Army, which adopted it in 1842–43, the helmet was widely imitated by other armies during that period. It is still worn today as part of ceremonial wear in the militaries of certain countries, such as Sweden, Chile, and Colombia.
Bavarian Officer Pickelhaube c. 1900
Prussian police leather Pickelhaube
Staff captain, Russian artillery, wearing a Pickelhaube, c. 1858
Russian Pickelhauben of the 1849 version, with detachable plumes, 1853