Original Imperial German WWI Prussian Guard Regiment M1915 Infantry EM/NCO Pickelhaube Helmet - Dated 1917

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fair example of an extremely rare WWI Prussian M-1915 pickelhaube, for the Prussian Guard regiment. The helmet is missing several pieces, but retains the scarce wappen.

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 properly. 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 sword in its claws, over the King's motto, MIT GOTT FÜR KOENIG UND VATERLAND (With God for King and Country, i.e. Prussia) and the center reads “SUUM CIQUE” (to each his own). The wappen retains both of the original leather wedges which were used to attach the plate to the front of the helmet.

It also has the correct "vent" on the rear support spine of the helmet. It retains the German National Colors (red white and black) cockade on the right side but is missing the Prussian State cockade (white and black). The national cockades has some minor material loss on one side from oxidation.

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.

The interior features The original leather liner, which is in worn condition, with all fingers intact. The helmet is ink-stamped on the liner with a 1917-dated maker stamp, next to a Size stamp, 56.

The black leather shell shows heavy age crazing and wear. The lacquer finished leather is in rough condition with cracking and heavy crazing. All metal pieces are firmly in place, and the M1915 spike still comes off.. The front leather visor has oxidized steel trim in very good condition but it is loose, as is the visor itself. The metal spine that descends from the spike's baseplate to the edge of the rear visor is also in good condition.

Overall a fair condition Imperial German pickelhaube for the Prussian Guard Regiment, a great addition to any collection!