Original Item: Only One Available. This is a nice original Imperial Prussian Jäger enlisted man's Mannschaften (other ranks or EM / NCO) Tschako (Shako). The M1915 was the last model of Tschako issued prior to the move to steel helmets, and replaced the earlier M1895 and M1897 patterns. In accordance with the 1915 regulations, these helmets would no longer use brass, silver, or Tombak as earlier versions did. All issued leather helmets 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 is a very nice example, and features a steel brass color finished Prussian wappen (front plate), which features the state eagle clutching a scepter and crown, over the King's motto, MIT GOTT FÜR KOENIG UND VATERLAND (With God for King and Country, i.e. Prussia). It is held in place by the standard leather wedges on the inside of the shell. Both M1891 pattern side lugs are present, and the right side has a very nice German National Colors (red white and black) Kokarde (cockade) around the lug with a solid chinstrap still attached though it most certainly is a new made leather example.

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. As Tschako helmets feature a front cockade, there is no cockade on the left chin strap lug. This helmet has a post-war removable Dutch cockade at top front. We are not sure when this was added but it is incorrect on this helmet. 

The interior is missing its leather liner. The exterior of the helmet shell is in good condition. Showing some signs of shrinkage (likely from languishing in a hot attic for decades) with lovely age checking/cracking with slight flaking. The front and rear visors are still attached with intact stitching, another rarity, though they are a bit loose as the leather has shrunk. The Tschako also has the correct 7 hole metal ventilation fittings on each side.

This is overall a great Prussian M1915 Tschako, which would make a great addition to any collection!