Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very interesting lightweight aluminum variation of the Imperial German Prussian M1915 Jäger zu Pferde (Mounted Dispatch Rider) Lobster Tail Pickelhaube Helmet. This is one of the two varieties of Metalhelme (Metal Helmets) in use by the German Armed forces, the other of which is the Kürassier Metalhelme worn by heavy cavalry. This example would have been meant for parade wear due to its lightweight construction.

It is roughly size 56, but is not size marked anywhere we could find. The M1915 was the last model of Pickelhaube issued. In accordance with the 1915 regulations these helmets would no longer would use brass, silver, or Tombak as previous models did. All issued Pickelhaube would now use gray oxidized steel fittings for all Regiments, where previously the dispatch rider fittings had varied based on the regiment. Also, this last revision of the Dispatch Rider helmet replaced the usual chin scale chin strap with the standard M91 leather chin strap, and it would now have the standard removable spike, held on with a "bayonet" style attachment.

This pickelhaube has a basic three-piece construction: helmet, visor and extended rear protective neck guard. It is fabricated from lightweight aluminum which appears to have been repainted a silver color. The helmet is topped by a removable spike with four ventilation holes and a spike mounting base in the distinctive "cloverleaf" shape used by the dispatch riders, which is held in place by four large capped rivets. The front comes with a visor designed with a turned-up lip, held in place by large capped rivets on either end. The top of the spike can still be removed for attachment of a plume.

This helmet features an oxidized steel frontplate (wappen). The rear neck guard protrudes outwards, away from the body in the traditional "lobster tail" design, held in place with large capped rivets just inside the outer edge and one smaller central rivet at the rear neck line. The entire outer edge is trimmed in a rolled-around steel band, including the visor and neck guard, protecting the wearer from the raw aluminum edges of the helmet itself.

The front Dragoon-style wappen features Prussian state eagle clutching a sword and rod, over the King's motto, MIT GOTT FÜR KOENIG UND VATERLAND (With God for King and Country, i.e. Prussia). It is held in place by split pins on the inside of the shell.

The front also retains the original chinscales chinstrap which holds both the German National Colors (red white and black) kokarden (cockades) around the right chin strap lug, and the Prussian State Colors (Black/White) placed over the left chin strap lug.

The interior shows that the leather liner is entirely absent, and the entire interior has been repainted, so we can’t tell if there were any maker or size marks.

Overall  this is a very nice displayable Imperial German Prussian Jäger zu Pferde Lobster Tail pickelhaube made from aluminum for parade wear, perfect for any WWI collection!