Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice condition Imperial Prussian Line Infantry enlisted man's Mannschaften (other ranks or EM / NCO) pickelhaube. 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 would use brass, silver, or Tombak as the M1895 did. All issued Pickelhaube would now use grey oxidized steel fittings for all Regiments. This particular helmet looks to have been issued just as the change to the M1915 was happening, so the fittings are a mixture of brass alloy and oxide coated steel. As with previous versions, the body was constructed from from boiled leather, which was shaped and lacquered black.

This helmet features an aluminumbronze alloy frontplate (wappen), and the crown of this leather helmet displays a vented enlisted spike mounted on a brass base plate. There is also the small adjustable vent on the steel spine that supports the rear skirt, only seen on the enlisted helmets, which still has the cover, though it will not open all the way at present.

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 leather wedges holding the wappen are present and in good condition, though they may be replacements. It is complete with the Prussian (black and white) and German National Colors (red white and black) Kokarden (cockades) around the steel 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, which we switched after photography The Attached chin strap is complete and has brass buckles, showing some wear to the finish. Overall it is in very good condition, and the leather is still supple

The interior features a nice original leather liner, which shows moderate use and some damage. All of the fingers are intact and supple, though the top tie strap is missing. There is a size 53 marked on the crown of the helmet, but no other markings.

The exterior of the helmet shell is in good shape, with very little change to the shape, and the black enamel is still quite shiny. There are areas of cracking and checking, but they just serve to add to the lovely patina of age. The front visor trim, like the rear spine and lugs, is oxide plated steel. The visors are present, however the stitching on the front and rear has completely rotted out, so they are quite loose.

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