Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good condition Imperial German line Infantry enlisted man's Mannschaften (other ranks) pickelhaube, with Grand Duchy of Baden Wappen and Cockades. The M1915 was the last model of Pickelhaube issued prior to the move to all steel helmets. In accordance with the 1915 regulations these helmets would no longer would use brass, silver, or Tombak as the M1895 did. All issued Pickelhaube would now use grey oxidized steel fittings for all Regiments. As with previous versions, the body was constructed from from boiled leather, which was shaped and lacquered black.

The crown of this leather helmet displays a vented enlisted removable spike mount on an oxidized steel baseplate. The spike is in excellent condition, and is easily removable using the "bayonet-style" attaching system. It also has the correct "vent" on the rear support spine of the helmet, which moves, but not very far due to a bend in the spine.

This helmet features a oxidized steel frontplate (wappen) with the Crowned Heraldic Griffin clutching a sword and resting on the Baden state shield. Below this is the Grand Duchy's motto: MIT GOTT F. FUERST U. VATERLAND (With God for Prince, or Grand Duke, and Fatherland). The wappen is still held in place by the correct leather wedges.

It is complete with the Baden (Gold and Red) and German National Colors (red white and black) Kokarden (cockades) around the chin strap lugs. We do feel that the Baden cockade could be a replacement, or was repainted at some point. 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 on this helmet. The Attached chin strap is complete, though it does look to be a post war replacement due to the excellent condition.

The interior features a nice original leather liner, though the leather tie strap is missing. The crown of the helmet is stamped with size 56, which is approximately a US 7. Also painted on the inside are FAUCHEX and ANGERS, which are a French City Names, possibly the home French Soldier who brought this helmet back from the front. There is also a small maker mark with a date, but we cannot read it. The rear visor has a depo or regimental marking, which reads B. J. A. XI. w., which we have not been able to identify. 

The black leather shell shows normal age crazing and wear. The lacquer finished leather is in very good condition having no serious issues. There is also definitely some level of leather shrinkage due to age, which is why the some fittings are somewhat loose. The front and rear visor stitching is also somewhat degraded, so the visors are loose.

The front leather visor has oxidized steel trim in very good condition. The metal spine that descends from the spike's baseplate to the edge of the rear visor is also in very good condition.  Overall a very nice condition Imperial German pickelhaube from the Grand Duchy of Baden, a great addition to any collection.