Item Description
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 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) which appears to have been repainted, and the crown of this leather helmet displays a vented enlisted removable spike mounted on a steel baseplate, which is removable but takes some pressure to put back on. 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 rear spine is disconnecting from the helmet as shown, as the nut which kept it in place is missing.
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 held in place by the leather wedges, but there is some material loss around them.
The helmet bears its original German National Colors (red white and black) Kokarden (cockades) around one of the chin strap lugs, but is missing the Prussian (black and white) cockade. 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 helmet does not have a chinstrap. The original liner is intact and is in fair shape but the tie-string is gone. The plate beneath the spike-plate may be a replacement, but it could be a period depot replacement. The helmet bears both a manufacture date of 1916 on the interior, and a depot stamp under the rear visor reading D.M.A. IV /
1918 F, meaning this one was one of the very last pickelhaubes to be serviced by Imperial Germany. We have never seen a 1918 stamp on a Pickelhaube before.
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!
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