Original Imperial German WWI Complete Prussian EM/NCO Infantry M1915 Pickelhaube Spiked Helmet

Original Item: Only One Available. A very nice example of an M-1915 Imperial Prussian Line Infantry enlisted man's Mannschaften (other ranks or EM / NCO) pickelhaube in good condition. The M1915 was the last model of Pickelhaube issued prior to the move to steel helmets. In accordance with the 1915 regulations, these helmets would no longer use brass, silver, or Tombak as the M1895 did. All issued Pickelhaube would now use gray oxidized steel fittings for all Regiments. As with previous versions, the body was constructed from boiled leather, which was shaped and lacquered black.

This helmet features an oxide plated steel frontplate (wappen), and the crown of this leather helmet displays a vented enlisted removable spike mounted on a steel baseplate, which is unfortunately frozen and we have not tried to force it off. There is also a small adjustable vent on the spine that supports the rear skirt, only seen on the enlisted helmets, which is able to be moved still. The front wappen features a crowned Prussian state eagle clutching a scepter and orb in its claws, over the King's motto, MIT GOTT FÜR KOENIG UND VATERLAND (With God for King and Country, i.e. Prussia). The wappen retains the leather retaining wedges which appear to have been added to the helmet. The holes themselves have been extended as well. There are several other small holes across the helmet, the purpose of which we are unsure.

It is complete with original Prussian (black and white) and German National Colors (red white and black) Kokarden (cockades) around the chin strap lugs. In 1897 the new Reichs-Kokarde in Red-White-Black was introduced for all ranks to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kaiser Wilhelm 1st. The Reichs-Kokarde was to be worn on the right side of the helmet, and the state Kokarde was moved to the left, as on this helmet.

The attached original chin strap is in good condition, and NOT broken. It is becoming almost impossible to locate these helmets with intact and unbroken chinstraps! The original liner is present but is in heavily dry-rotted condition. There is a name written under the rear visor, as well as some other small markings, but they are too worn to read.

The exterior of the helmet shell is in fair shape, with several small holes having been added, but the black enamel still exhibits a nice sheen. There are areas of cracking and checking, but they just serve to add to the lovely patina of age. The front and rear visors are in good shape with some cracking and crazing of the leather.

This is a very nice Imperial Prussian pickelhaube, perfect for any WWI collection!