Original Imperial German WWI Unit-Marked Prussian M1895 Line Infantry Pickelhaube Spiked Helmet with Original Chinstrap - JR 25

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fair example of an M-1895 Imperial Prussian Line Infantry enlisted man's Mannschaften (other ranks or EM / NCO) pickelhaube in fair condition. The M1895 was the final pre-1914 evolution in a long series of spiked helmets. It displays lovely condition brass Prussian spread eagle helmet plate and comes complete with supple original leather liner. The spike on top denotes infantry issue and retains correct brass chin strap lugs and a scarce original leather chinstrap!

This helmet features a lovely gold-colored alloy frontplate (wappen) with the Prussian state eagle clutching a scepter and crown, over the King's motto, MIT GOTT FÜR KOENIG UND VATERLAND (With God for King and Country, i.e. Prussia). The Preußen issued Wappen in 1895 were intended to be made out of Tombak (an alloy made from a combination of copper and zinc) but it seems that the copper-color was unpopular and they were soon replaced with Aluminiumbronze which has a very bright brass appearance.

The helmet is missing both the German National Colors (red white and black) and Prussian (black and white) cockades around the chinstrap 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. Replacements should not be terribly hard to find.

The helmet does retains its original leather chinstrap. The original liner is intact and is in fair shape but there is heavy material loss, and the tie string is hanging. The rear visor of the helmet bears a stamp, J.R. 25, and another stamp, 2 C II. We are unsure of the significance of the latter stamp, but the former denotes the 25th Infantry Regiment “von Lützow” (1st Rhineland). In 1914 they were garrisoned at Aachen as part of the IX Army Corps. During the First World War they initially fought on the Western Front, transferring to the East in early 1916 and then back to the West for the latter stages of the Battle of the Somme where they remained for the rest of the war.

The exterior of the helmet shell is in good overall shape, with very little change to the shape, and the black enamel still exhibits a nice sheen with heavy wear. There are areas of cracking and checking, but they just serve to add to the lovely patina of age. Overall a very nice condition Imperial Prussian pickelhaube, perfect for any WWI collection!