Original Item: Only One Available. This is a "relic" example of an M-1915 Imperial Prussian Line Infantry Mannschaften (other ranks or EM / NCO) pickelhaube in good condition. The M1915 was the last model of Pickelhaube issued prior to the move to steel helmets. In accordance with the 1915 regulations, these helmets would no longer use brass, silver, or Tombak as the M1895 did. All issued Pickelhaube would now use gray oxidized steel fittings for all Regiments. As with previous versions, the body was constructed from boiled leather, which was shaped and lacquered black.

This helmet features an oxide plated steel frontplate (wappen), and the crown of this leather helmet displays a vented enlisted removable spike mounted on a steel baseplate, which still can be removed easily. There is also a small adjustable vent on the spine that supports the rear skirt, only seen on the enlisted helmets, however this is frozen closed. The front wappen features a crowned Prussian state eagle clutching a scepter and orb in its claws, over the King's motto, MIT GOTT FÜR KOENIG UND VATERLAND (With God for King and Country, i.e. Prussia). The wappen is retained by small pieces of leather, though they not be original. While the wappen looks gold, it looks to have been painted with bronze post war but still very long ago, and it is definitely magnetic.

It is complete with original 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 on this helmet. The attached original chin strap is in good condition, and NOT broken, though it looks like may have been replaced post war, as the condition does not match the rest of the helmet.

The interior of the helmet still shows some of the original liner, however it is definitely missing about 80%, and what remains is in very delicate condition. The inside of the helmet is unmarked except for 1.J.R.93, which would be 1st company, 93rd (Anhalt) Infantry Regiment. At the time in regimental designations German units often utilized a J instead of I.

The exterior of the helmet was in relic condition, and it looks like some type of restoration attempt was made using a black gloss material, possibly some type of filler or resin. This was unfortunately not exactly done expertly, which is why we consider this helmet to be "relic". The front and rear visors are still attached firmly to the body of the helmet.

Overall a nice "relic" condition Imperial Prussian pickelhaube, an affordable addition to any WWI collection!