Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a great condition, smart-looking high-end officer pickelhaube from a Prussian Foot Artillery Regiment, which was most likely used during World War One. 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. As with previous versions, the body was constructed from from boiled leather, which was shaped and lacquered black.
The Pickelhaube of commissioned officers holding a rank from Lieutenant to Colonel are all identical in features, but not quality. The quality of helmets within these ranks depended entirely on how much the individual wished to spend. A lowly Lieutenant's helmet may be of much higher quality than one worn by a Colonel. As expected, officer helmets were of a much higher quality than the issued version and utilized the "squared finger" liners until 1880, when the internal leather sweatband and silk skull-cap came into use.
Regardless of the unit, officer Pickelhaube share common features such as: the undersides of visors are lined with red and green, larger and more ornate officers kokarden were attached, and "egg & dart" Perlring was utilized around the base of the top spike. Additionally, chin scales were worn, attached permanently to the helmet. The officer's Pickelhaube was basically unchanged from 1871 to 1899 when it had a more domed shape, and from 1899 to the end it had more of a skull shape. Otherwise, with the exception of the addition of the Reich's Kokarde in 1897, the officer's Haube was mostly the same from 1871 to 1918.
As this is the artillery version of the Pickelhaube, ball representing a cannon ball replaced the usual spike, leading this to be referred to as an Artillerie Kugelhelm (Artillery Ball-Top Helm).
The overall condition of this officer's pickelhaube is very good. All of the helmet's furniture is highly-detailed steel with an oxide coating, now worn in some areas, with some surface oxidation in the recessed portions. The Prussian wappen (coat of arms) features a large eagle with 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 correct bolts used on officer's models. The chin scales are in great shape, with complete leather backing front clasp and intact buckle.
It is complete with the 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. The paint on both is still almost completely intact, with the usual age related fading and checking.
The helmet's interior reveals no depot marks on the red-lined back visor, and the front green lined visor is unmarked as standard. There is no size marking, but it seems to be around a size 56-57. The lacquer finished leather is in great condition having no serious issues, just the usual light cracking. The shape of this pickelhaube is preserved excellently, without the sinking in of the top often seen. The front and rear visor stitching looks to be fully intact, and hasn't rotted out as many do. There seems to have been minimal leather shrinkage on this example, and it displays great.
The inside liner is still present, complete with the original silk skull cap, with some light wear and deterioration. The sweatband is red faux leather, and is retained very well, and the cream colored silk skullcap is in good condition, as shown. The silk has split a bit, very common due to the age.
Overall a very appealing Model 1915 Foot Artillery Officer Pickelhaube Kugelhelm, probably the only one we have ever had! Ready to display!
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