Original German WWI Kingdom of Württemberg M1915 Infantry EM/NCO Pickelhaube Spiked Helmet – dated 1916 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a nice condition Imperial German Line Infantry enlisted man’s Mannschaften (other ranks or EM / NCO) pickelhaube from the Kingdom of Württemberg. 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 would use brass, silver, or Tombak as the M1895 did. All issued Pickelhaube would now use grey oxidized steel fittings for all Regiments. As with previous versions, the body was constructed from from boiled leather, which was shaped and lacquered black.

This helmet features an oxide plated steel frontplate (wappen), and the crown of this leather helmet displays a vented enlisted removable spike mounted on a steel baseplate. At some point, it looks like the hardware was painted over gold, most of which has now flaked away.

The front wappen features the Coat of Arms of Württemberg, with a shield in the center showing three antlers that represent Württemberg on the left side, and the three lions of medieval Swabia on the right side. There is with a wreath surrounding it made of Laurels on the right and Oak Leaves on the left. The Crowned Lion of Swabia supports the shield to the left, and the Stag of Württemberg supports it on the right. On a banner at the bottom is the motto of the kingdom: FURCHTLOS UND TREW (“Fearless and loyal”).  The wappen is held in place by the standard leather wedges on the inside of the shell, which are both in good shape. Unfortunately the plate itself has been damaged, as there should be a crown above the shield, and the Stag is missing its Antlers.

It is complete with the Württemberg (Red and Black) and German National Colors (red white and black) Kokarden (cockades) around the chin strap lugs. 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, and the state Kokarde was moved to the left, as on this helmet. The Attached chin strap is complete, but the leather is very shrunken and dry, definitely in delicate condition.

The interior features a nice original leather liner, which shows moderate use, with many of the “fingers” torn through at the tips, where the securing strap is. The size of the helmet is marked as 58 on the crown. Also painted on the inside are FAUCHEX and ANGERS, which are a French City Names, possibly the home French Soldier who brought this helmet back from the front. There is also a small maker mark with a [19]16 date, and what looks like a name, but we cannot read it.

The exterior of the helmet shell is in good shape, with a nice shiny enamel finish, though it does show checking and crazing throughout, as shown. The front and rear visors are still attached with intact stitching, another rarity. The fittings are mostly tight to the helmet, with a correct removable top spike. The front visor trim does have some cracks, one of which was repaired at some point.

Overall a very good condition Imperial German pickelhaube from the Kingdom of Württemberg, perfect for any WWI collection!