Original Item: Only One Available.This is a traditional German first world war Bavarian Mannschaften (Other Ranks) brass mounted leather helmet known as a Pickelhaube, for the Foot-troops (Infantry). The M1896 Bavarian Pickelhaube was the final pre-1914 evolution in a long series of spiked helmets, and is very similar to the M1895 Prussian version. It was manufactured from boiled leather, lacquered black, and provided with fittings made of brass or German silver dependent upon the Regt. The protection it offered was very limited and led to the eventual replacement by a steel helmet in 1916.

This helmet features a  brass infantry wappen (front plate) with the Bavarian coat of arms, over the kingdom's motto, In Treue Fest, German for "steadfast in loyalty." It also has correct kokarden (cockades) on both sides, blue/white Bavarian State kokarden and Reichs (black/red/white). Both kokarden are museum-grade replicas.
 
The Interior of the Pickelhaube is in very fine condition, exhibiting moderate use. It has a correct black leather liner, complete with securing tie on the top.The Liner appears to quite possibly be a period replacement.  The black leather shell shows normal age crazing and wear in areas.

The lacquer finished leather is in very good condition having no serious issues. There is also definitely some level of leather shrinkage due to age, which is why the some fittings are slightly loose. The chinstrap fitted to this helmet is an older museum-quality reproduction, which nicely matches the wear and has patina that matches the helmet.

The front leather visor has brass trim in very good condition, though it has pulled away from the visor due to shrinking. The metal spine that descends from the spike's baseplate to the edge of the rear visor is also in very good condition.

Overall a very nice condition Bavarian Infantry pickelhaube, a great addition to any collection.