Original Imperial German WWI Possible Unit-Marked Prussian M1895 Line Infantry Pickelhaube Spiked Helmet - Missing Chinstrap Lug & Spike Base Rivets - Dated 1913
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Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fair example of an M-1895 Imperial Prussian Line Infantry enlisted man's Mannschaften (other ranks or EM / NCO) pickelhaube with some heavy damage. The M1895 was the final pre-1914 evolution in a long series of spiked helmets. It displays a lovely condition brass Prussian spread eagle helmet plate and comes complete with supple original leather liner. The spike on top denotes infantry issue and the helmet is missing one of the two brass chin strap lugs as well as two of the spike base rivets.
This helmet features a lovely gold-colored 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.
The helmet is missing both the German National Colors (red white and black) and Prussian (black and white) cockades around the chinstrap 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. Replacements should not be terribly hard to find.
The helmet is missing one of the two chinstrap lugs as well as two of the spike base rivets. The chinstrap is gone but one of the end pieces is still attached to the remaining lug. The underside of the rear visor is stamped with a depot cartouche, B.A.G. / 1913 for the Garde-Korps in Berlin. The other side is inscribed 135 in gothic lettering, which may denote that it is a unit marking, for the 135th Infantry Regiment. A good research project.
The exterior of the helmet shell is in good overall shape, with very little change to the shape, and the black enamel still exhibits a nice sheen with heavy wear. There are areas of cracking and checking, but they just serve to add to the lovely patina of age. Overall a fair condition Imperial Prussian pickelhaube, perfect for any WWI collection!
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