Original Item: Only One Available. This is a nice example of an M-1915 Imperial Prussian Line Infantry enlisted man's 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 is unfortunately frozen and we have not tried to force it off. There is also a small adjustable vent on the spine that supports the rear skirt, only seen on the enlisted helmets, which is able to be moved still. The front wappen features a crowned Prussian state eagle clutching a scepter and orb in its claws, although the claw holding the orb is missing completely, over the King's motto, MIT GOTT FÜR KOENIG UND VATERLAND (With God for King and Country, i.e. Prussia). The wappen no longer retains the original leather retaining wedges and were replaced with small pieces of plastic. 

It is complete with a set of Prussian (black and white) and German National Colors (red white and black) Kokarden (cockades) around the chin strap lugs. Both of the cockades are very newly-painted, but we cannot tell if they are complete reproductions or if they were just repainted. 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 included chinstrap is a complete reproduction but still works well for display. The original liner is present and in good condition. The liner is still soft, but is cracked and slightly torn but complete. There is wear around the edges as seen in the photos, and the tie-string is retained.

The exterior of the helmet shell is in good shape, with very little change to the shape, and the black enamel still exhibits a nice sheen. There are areas of cracking and checking, but they just serve to add to the lovely patina of age. Overall a very nice condition Imperial Prussian pickelhaube, perfect for any WWI collection!