Original Item: Only One Available. A rough example of an M-1915 Imperial Prussian Line Infantry enlisted man's Mannschaften (other ranks or EM / NCO) pickelhaube in fair condition. 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 use brass, silver, or Tombak as the M1895 did. All issued Pickelhaube 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 interesting example with some unique design characteristics that aren’t apparent to the naked eye. The pieces of leather under the chinstrap bales have been enlarged, and the rear visor appears to be a much thinner period replacement. The story of this pickelhaube becomes obvious when you find the stamp under the rear visor “B.J.A. XVIII f.”, which indicates that it was processed for reissue during the war by the Bekleidungs Jnstandsetzungamt XVIII. The “f” stands for “Feldbrauchbar” which translates to “field serviceable”. This pickelhaube went through battle, was damaged, and was refurbished and reissued to a soldier all during the war. It is very difficult to find a pickelhaube which has been refurbished to this degree.

This helmet features an oxide plated steel frontplate (wappen), and the crown of this leather helmet displays a vented enlisted spike mounted on a steel baseplate, which is removable as is correct for an M1915. There is also a small adjustable vent on the spine that supports the rear skirt, only seen on the enlisted helmets, which is unable to be moved due to heavy oxidation. 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 wappen is attached via two holes which appear to have been pasted over and repaired during the war in the depot. The leather wedges are now gone or broken and the wappen is loosely seated in the holes.

The helmet retains the German National Colors (red white and black) Kokarden, but is missing the white and black Prussian state cockade. The original chinstrap is almost entirely gone, with one bale and a small fragment of the leather still attached at the right side where the national cockade is.

The underside of the helmet retains the leather liner, with the original drawstring connecting the tongues, though it doesn’t connect all tongues and there are some tears and creases in the leather.

The exterior of the helmet shell is in overall good but dented shape, with some disfigurement, but they just serve to add to the lovely patina of age. The front and rear visors are in good shape overall.

A nice depot-repaired pickelhaube, ready for display.