Original Item: Only One Available. Offered here is a fascinating Imperial German First World War M1915 Prussian enlisted / NCO (Mannschaften) Pickelhaube that tells a much deeper story than the average surviving example. Rather than simply being an issued helmet, this example was recovered, repaired, inspected, and officially returned to service through the German wartime depot refurbishment system.

The M1915 Pickelhaube represented the final evolution of the famous German spiked helmet before the introduction of the steel Stahlhelm. As the First World War progressed and Germany adapted to the demands of industrial warfare, the elaborate brass and Tombak fittings used on earlier M1895 helmets were eliminated. Under the 1915 regulations, helmets were instead produced with gray oxidized steel fittings to conserve strategic materials needed for the war effort.

Like previous models, the helmet body was constructed from formed boiled leather with a black lacquered finish. However, the M1915 incorporated several practical wartime changes, including a removable spike to make the helmet more suitable for field conditions.

What makes this particular helmet especially interesting is not immediately visible from the exterior. Close inspection reveals evidence of significant period service and official wartime refurbishment. The leather reinforcement areas beneath the chinstrap fittings were enlarged, and the rear visor appears to be a thinner period replacement.

The reason becomes clear when examining the marking beneath the rear visor:

B.J.A. XVIII f.

This marking indicates processing through Bekleidungs-Instandsetzungsamt XVIII, a German clothing and equipment repair depot responsible for restoring damaged equipment for continued military use. The “f” marking represents Feldbrauchbar, meaning “field serviceable.”

This confirms that the helmet was not simply stored away after initial issue. It was used, damaged, sent through the German military repair system, approved for continued service, and reissued during the war. Surviving Pickelhauben showing this level of documented wartime refurbishment are far less commonly encountered than standard untouched examples and provide a direct connection to the realities of prolonged combat and wartime shortages.

The helmet retains its correct M1915 gray oxidized steel fittings, including the Prussian front plate (Wappen). The Wappen displays the crowned Prussian eagle holding the traditional scepter and orb above the motto:

MIT GOTT FÜR KOENIG UND VATERLAND

(With God for King and Country)

The front plate attachment points show evidence of wartime depot repair, with the original mounting holes having been reinforced and patched during refurbishment. The original leather retaining wedges are now missing or damaged, leaving the Wappen somewhat loose in place.

The crown retains the correct enlisted pattern vented spike mounted to the M1915 removable steel base. The rear spine also features the small adjustable ventilation system found on enlisted helmets, though the vent is currently fixed in position due to oxidation from age.

The helmet retains the German national colors Kokarde in red, white, and black. The Prussian state Kokarde is no longer present. The original chinstrap has mostly been lost, with one fitting and a small remaining leather fragment still attached on the right side near the national Kokarde.

The interior retains the original leather liner with the drawstring still present connecting several of the tongues. The liner shows expected age, including tears, creasing, and wear from more than a century of survival.

The exterior leather shell displays dents, surface irregularities, and honest wear from service, age, and storage. Rather than detracting from the helmet, this gives it the unmistakable character expected from a piece of equipment that actually went through the wartime repair and reissue process. The front and rear visors remain intact and display well.

Overall, this is a very interesting and historically significant example of a WWI German M1915 Pickelhaube. Its official depot repair marking and Feldbrauchbar reissue designation provide a rare glimpse into how the Imperial German Army maintained equipment during the enormous demands of the First World War.

A wonderful example for the collector seeking a Pickelhaube with true field history rather than simply a stored-away souvenir. Ready for display.