Original Imperial German WWI Prussian EM/NCO Infantry M1915 Pickelhaube Spiked Helmet Dated 1915 - Size 56

Original Item: Only One Available. A lovely 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 still able to be removed. 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, but requires some force. 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 original leather retaining wedges which are in untouched condition.

It is complete with an original German National Colors (red white and black) Kokarden (cockade) around the chin strap lug, but is missing the Prussian (black and white) cockade. 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, but this example has the national cockade on the left.

The attached chinstrap is likely an old reproduction, but it very much looks the part. 
The original liner is present and in good condition. The liner is still soft, but is cracked and slightly torn but complete. The interior crown is marked with a size, 56, and the rear crown.

The exterior of the helmet shell is in good shape, with very little change to the shape, and 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 without any serious damage.

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