Original Item: Only One Available. A good 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, however, someone fitted this helmet with an M1895 brass Wappen.

As with previous versions, the body was constructed from boiled leather, which was shaped and lacquered black.

This helmet features an M1895 brass frontplate (wappen), and the crown of this leather helmet displays a vented enlisted removable spike mounted on a steel baseplate, which is unfortunately difficult to remove so use caution. 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 twol leather wedges which were used to attach the plate to the front of the helmet. One of the wedges appears to be period original, but the other leather piece appears to have been a piece cut and removed from the liner to be used as a substitute and liner restitched.

It is complete with original 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, as on this helmet. Both cockades retain little of the original paint.

The attached original chin strap is in fair condition, and NOT broken but cracked throughout. It is becoming almost impossible to locate these helmets with intact and unbroken chinstraps! The original liner is present and in good condition. The original leather thong for the liner drawcord is still present though in multiple pieces. 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. There is a section of the front visor by the trim is missing.

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