Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good condition Imperial Prussian Artillery enlisted man's Mannschaften (other ranks) pickelhaube, which has a very interesting history! 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 lovely condition brass Prussian spread eagle helmet plate and comes complete with partial original leather liner, chinstrap, and both the Prussian and National Cockades! The helmet retains the correct all brass alloy fittings, which still show some of the original gilding. This helmet started out life as a Pickelhaube, worn by a soldier of Infantry Regiment 69, before being sent back to a depot and being refitted as a Kugelhelm for issue to an Artilleryman.

This helmet features a lovely 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 still retains the loops with a leather wedge through the right loop, however the left loop has a small piece of wood holding it in place.

It is complete with original cockades. The Prussian (black and white) and German National Colors (red white and black) Kokarden (cockades) around the chin strap 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. The Reichs-Kokarde was to be worn on the right side of the helmet, and the state Kokarde was moved to the left, as is on this helmet.

The cockades are secured by the means of the chinstrap, which is a recently added reproduction. It does look new but complements the helmet nicely.

The leather lining is missing one of the tongues, but is otherwise in good condition. The rear visor is marked with J.R.69 for Infantry Regiment 69, a 1916 maker’s stamp, and a soldier’s written name, Fuphöller? There is no size stamp, but it’s roughly a size 56.

The helmet originally was manufactured as a Pickelhaube but appease to have been reworked as a Kugelhaube in a depot during the war. A very interesting example with great history.

Ready for further research and display.

Infantry Regiment Nr. 69 was formed on 5 May 1860 and was recruited exclusively from Rheinprovinz. During the Austro-Prussian War (Seven Weeks War), IR 69 participated in the battles of Hühnerwaßer, Münchengrätz, and Königgrätz. During the Franco-Prussian War, IR 69 fought in at least 12 major engagements including Saarbrücken, Gravelotte, Metz, Amiens, and St. Quentin.