Original German WWI Prussian M1915 Infantry EM/NCO Pickelhaube Spiked 53cm Helmet – dated 1915 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a nice condition Imperial Prussian Line Infantry enlisted man’s Mannschaften (other ranks or EM / NCO) pickelhaube. 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. There is also the small adjustable vent on the spine that supports the rear skirt, only seen on the enlisted helmets.

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). It is held in place by the standard leather wedges on the inside of the shell, which are both in good shape.  It is complete with the Prussian (black and white) 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, with the expected wear, and looks to be a wartime replacement with brass buckles.

The interior features a nice original leather liner, which shows only light use. All fingers are intact, and are complete with the top securing strap. Definitely one of the better liners we have seen, and we see little sign of wear. Given the very small size, that is not surprising. The inside of the rear skirt is marked faintly with size 53, and also has a manufacture stamp with a 1915 date in the center.

The exterior of the helmet shell is really in great shape, with a nice shiny enamel finish, with only slight age deterioration. The front and rear visors are still attached with intact stitching, another rarity. The fittings are mostly tight to the helmet, with a movable vent and correct removable top spike. This is one of the better examples that we have seen lately.

Overall a very good condition Imperial Prussian pickelhaube, perfect for any WWI collection!