Original Item: Only One Available. A lovely 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 still able to be removed. There is also a small adjustable vent on the spine that supports the rear skirt, only seen on the enlisted helmets, which is frozen and won’t move. 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 retains both of the original leather wedges which were used to attach the plate to the front of the helmet.

It is complete with original Prussian (black and white) and German National Colors (red white and black) Kokarden (cockades) around the chin strap lugs though they appear to have been 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 attached chin strap is in good condition, and NOT broken but is a high quality repro with aluminum buckles. The original liner is present and in very good condition. The liner is in fair condition rather stiff and almost black in color. The original leather thong for the liner drawcord is still present. There are various markings on the rear visor which appear to be unit markings but unfortunately the leather is cracking, making the identification of the regiment difficult.

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 still. 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 still quite well attached to the helmet.

Size is stamped as 53cm and the manufacturer stamp is no longer visible.

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