Original Item - Only One Available. One of the most impressive helmets of Imperial Germany is the M1915 Kürassier (Cuirassiers) 'lobster tail' helmet. This example is in original configuration with its original chinstrap and cockades, seldom ever seen on these helmets. This is one of the two varieties of Metalhelme (Metal Helmets) in use by the German Armed forces, the other of which are the Jäger zu Pferde Metalhelm worn by mounted dispatch riders.

This is a fantastic example of the famous Cuirassiers ‘lobster tail’ helmets used by German calvarymen during World War I. The Cuirassiers of Imperial Germany were historically heavy cavalry troops however after their initial effectiveness in the early months of WW1 they became more useful in a reconnaissance role as the static trench warfare on all fronts set in. After 1916 many of the horses were destined to pull Artillery equipment & the men sent to fight in the trenches as were those of other traditional cavalry roles.

The helmet is near perfect, with the only serious flaw being that one of the four rivets holding the spike plate is missing. The spike is removable as is standard for this model of helmet. There is a small maker’s plate on the interior of the helmet labeled “Herm Weissenberg & Gannstall. 57 ½ is stamped into the rim along the bottom of the tail. The chinstrap is in fantastic shape for its age, with consistent age. Both cockades are in worn shape, giving the helmet a great “been there” look. These helmets are becoming increasingly difficult to find in complete original condition like this.

In accordance with the 1915 regulations these helmets would no longer use brass, silver, or Tombak as previous models did. All issued Pickelhaube would now use gray oxidized steel fittings for all Regiments, where previously the cuirassier fittings had varied based on the regiment. Also, this last revision of the helmet replaced the usual chin scale chin strap with the standard M91 leather chin strap, and it would now have the standard removable spike, held on with a "bayonet" style attachment.

This pickelhaube has a basic three-piece construction: helmet, visor and extended rear protective neck guard. The front comes with a visor designed with a turned-up lip, held in place by large capped rivets on either end.