Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good service used condition Imperial German Prussian M1915 Line Kürassier (Cuirassier) Heavy Cavalry Metal Lobster Tail Pickelhaube Helmet, made by the legendary Schulz & Holdefleiss of Berlin. This is one of the two varieties of Metalhelme (Metal Helmets) in use by the German Armed forces, the other of which are the Jäger zu Pferde Metalhelm worn by mounted dispatch riders.

The size marked on the rear skirt is a 53, and is dated 1916 around the top vent, placing production right in the middle of WWI. The M1915 was the last model of Pickelhaube issued. In accordance with the 1915 regulations these helmets would no longer 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 cuirassier fittings had varied based on the regiment. Also, this last revision of the 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 bright polished steel, though it is now
faded to a grayish peppered patina. The helmet is topped by a removable spike with four ventilation holes and a spike mounting base in the oval shape used by the heavy cavalry, 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.

This helmet features an oxidized steel frontplate (wappen), and the crown of this leather helmet displays a vented enlisted removable spike mounted on a steel baseplate. The spike moves, but is currently stuck on unfortunately. 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 steel edges of the helmet itself.

The front Dragoon-style wappen features Prussian state eagle clutching a sword and rod, with a banner across the breast bearing the King's motto, MIT GOTT FÜR KOENIG UND VATERLAND (With God for King and Country, i.e. Prussia). The FR in the center is for the first Prussian King, Frederick I (Fridericus Rex), who elevated Prussia from a Duchy to a Kingdom. It is held in place by the standard leather wedges on the inside of the shell.

Both kokarden (cockades) are present, and are definitely the same size compared to those on a standard pickelhaube. In 1897 a new Reichs-Kokarde in Red-White-Black was introduced for all ranks to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kaiser Wilhelm 1st, which is normally present on the left side, but not on this example. The right side bears the black and white Prussian state colors. The paint on both is still almost completely intact. Both kokarden are Prussian State colors. The chin strap is still present and is in solid condition.

The interior helmet does not have the leather liner.

Overall a nice condition Imperial German Prussian Line Kürassier Lobster Tail pickelhaube with a maker marking and date, perfect for any WWI collection!