{"product_id":"original-imperial-german-wwi-prussian-depot-marked-m1915-em-nco-pickelhaube-spiked-helmet-dated-1917","title":"Original Imperial German WWI Prussian Depot-Marked M1915 EM\/NCO Pickelhaube Spiked Helmet - Dated 1916","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a highly evocative original Imperial German WWI Prussian M1915 enlisted man’s Pickelhaube, retaining the service-worn appearance many collectors prefer. The helmet preserves its black-lacquered leather shell, gray oxidized steel fittings, removable enlisted spike, both national and Prussian cockades, rear spine, original leather liner, and a clearly visible B.A.X. \/ 1916 depot marking. The presently fitted chinstrap is a reproduction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe M1915 represented the last major version of the traditional German spiked helmet before the widespread introduction of the steel Stahlhelm. Wartime material shortages and the need to reduce visibility led to the replacement of the bright brass, Tombak, and silver-colored fittings used on earlier helmets with subdued gray oxidized steel. This distinctive combination of a black leather body and gray metal fittings gives the M1915 its unmistakable late-war appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe helmet retains its original gray steel Prussian front plate, or Wappen, depicting the crowned Prussian eagle clutching a scepter and orb. Across the eagle is the traditional royal motto \u003cb\u003eMIT GOTT FÜR KOENIG UND VATERLAND\u003c\/b\u003e. This means “\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eWith God for King and Fatherland.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Wappen is secured through the original holes with leather retaining wedges and a wire, so it is not the original wappen for this helmet and was replaced at one point. There is the shadow for a Prussian wappen behind it, so it is correct.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe crown retains a vented enlisted spike mounted on a gray steel baseplate. The spike remains removable, but the spike base is a bit loose. The rear spine retains the small adjustable ventilation fitting normally found on enlisted helmets. The vent still opens and closes without issue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth cockades remain fitted around the chinstrap lugs. The right side carries the \u003cb\u003eGerman national colors of red, white, and black\u003c\/b\u003e, while the left carries the \u003cb\u003eblack-and-white Prussian state colors\u003c\/b\u003e. Both cockades are in good condition. The presently installed leather chinstrap is a reproduction. It looks fine for display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe gray steel trim along the front visor is den ted and loose. The remaining exterior fittings show oxidation, finish loss, scratches, and general wear consistent with age and extended use. There is evidence along the edges that there was a canvas helmet cover attached to the helmet at one point, now lost to time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe black lacquered leather body shows widespread age crazing but has retained its overall shape surprisingly well, likely due to the presence of the cover before it was removed. There are no major structural collapses or severe losses to the main shell. The stitching securing both the front and rear visors remains strong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe interior retains its original leather liner. The liner is in great condition with some minor crazing, but the original tie string is retained. There is some stiffness in the leather. The underside of the rear visor is stamped with a now-faint depot mark:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eB.A.X.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e1916\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis denotes \u003cb\u003e1916 \u003c\/b\u003ework at the \u003cb\u003eX Armee-Korps Depot\u003c\/b\u003e in \u003cb\u003eHannover\u003c\/b\u003e. The interior crown of the helmet has a stamped year of manufacture, 1916, and a stamped circular maker’s marking that is a bit faint, but we could make out: \u003cb\u003eJoh. Friedr. Carl. L…\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased upon its dimensions, the helmet appears to be approximately a size 57, although this should be treated as an estimated display size rather than an original marked size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis helmet is particularly appealing for the combination of its Prussian M1915 configuration, gray oxidized steel fittings, removable spike, both cockades, functional rear ventilation fitting, original liner, B.A.X. Hannover depot mark dated 1916, separate 1916 interior stamp, and extensive untouched service wear. The reproduction chinstrap, disturbed Wappen attachment, loose spike base, and dented front visor trim are important condition considerations, while the surviving depot and manufacturer markings provide useful evidence of its wartime history.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45721728745541,"sku":"ONSV26EMC115","price":695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/493C29B5-A6B3-4719-A1C8-AE590A3D2CAA_e63f25c3-b2f1-4a43-85d1-3aa56298b1a0.jpg?v=1790479367","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-imperial-german-wwi-prussian-depot-marked-m1915-em-nco-pickelhaube-spiked-helmet-dated-1917","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}