Original Item: Only One Available. A nice example of an M-1915 Imperial Prussian Line Infantry enlisted man's Mannschaften (other ranks or EM / NCO) pickelhaube in fair 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 is able to be removed properly. There is also a small adjustable vent on the spine that supports the rear skirt, only seen on the enlisted helmets, which is also able to be moved still. 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 missing both of the original leather wedges which were used to attach the plate to the front of the helmet and has small metal rods holding it in place.

It has both 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.

The original liner is present and in poor condition. There is wear around the edges as seen in the photos and a few of the fingers are missing. The chinstrap is actually a solid condition set of “chinscales” as used on Officer’s helmets. The chinscales however do appear to possibly be a much later replacement set used to complete the outward appearance. The helmet is quite small, probably a 54 or 55 originally, and as with almost all of these leather helmets, it looks to have shrunk over the past 100 years.

The exterior of the helmet shell is in fair condition, with change to the shape, and the black enamel is cracked and missing in areas. There are areas of cracking and checking, but they just serve to add to the lovely patina of age. The front and rear visors are loose and slightly misshapen with extensive stitching loss, almost nearly detached. There appears to be no repair attempts made. It is recommended that while this helmet is displayed, it should not sit flat unless you choose to repair the front and rear visors.

Overall a very nice condition Imperial Prussian pickelhaube, perfect for any WWI collection!