Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fair condition Imperial Prussian Artillery enlisted man's Mannschaften (other ranks) pickelhaube. On this version of the Pickelhaube, a ball representing a cannon ball replaced the usual spike, leading this to be referred to as an Artillerie Kugelhelm (Artillery Ball-Top Helm). The M1895 was the final pre-1914 evolution in a long series of pickelhaube helmets. It displays a tarnished condition detached brass Prussian spread eagle helmet plate and retains the original leather liner, but has a reproduction chinstrap and reproduction cockades. A good restoration project. The spike baseplate has been placed on top of the helmet for some reason.

This helmet features a detached 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. It has no leather wedges and is not attached via the original holes, but via new-made holes in the leather due to the placement of the loops on the wappen. Very crude and unattractive. 

The helmet has reproduction national and state cockades, and a reproduction chinstrap as well. The helmet has very heavy wear with heavy cracking and crazing to the leather finish. The shape of the helmet has worn heavily with some sinking and cracking present.

The leather lining retains all of its original tongues which are in fair condition with crazing. The rear visor is stamped with a now-faded depot marking next to the date of manufacture, 1897. Both visors retain their stitching but the front visor trim is loose. As mentioned, the spike base plate has been placed on top of the helmet for some reason.

Ready for further research and display.