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. As with previous versions, the body was constructed from 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 still correctly comes off. There is also the small adjustable vent on the spine that supports the rear skirt, only seen on the enlisted helmets, which is also still fully functional.

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 period replacements. Also, the left side securing loop on the wappen has separated from the plate, so it is only attached on the right and moves freely.

It is complete with a German National Colors (red white and black) Kokarden (cockades) around the left chin strap lug. 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, however on this helmet there is no state cockade, and the National Colors is on the left side.

The Attached chin strap is in delicate condition, and has torn and been repaired in the front, with the right side protruding from the lug clip. The interior features a nice original leather liner, which has all fingers are intact, but the top securing strap has been replaced by some rope. The inside of the helmet is quite dark in color, so we can no longer make out any of the original markings.

The exterior of the helmet shell is in good shape, though it definitely shows ages, with checking and cracking in the black enamel, especially on the visors. As with most examples we see, the front and rear visors are only loosely attached to the helmet, as the stitching degrades over time. Overall the metalwork is quite good, with a lovely patina and some of the original oxide coating present.

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