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

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a nice condition Imperial Prussian Landwehr Reserve 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 a brass alloy frontplate (wappen), which was painted silver at some point, and the crown of this leather helmet displays a steel vented enlisted removable spike mounted on a steel baseplate. It does look like 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 Prussian state eagle clutching a scepter and crown, with the leg holding the orb missing. There a large “Iron Cross” emblem on the breast of the eagle, which is marked in very small text with the Kingdom of Prussia’s Motto:

mit Gott

für König und Vaterland

1813

This translates to “With God for King and Country,” i.e. Prussia, over the year 1813, when King Frederick William III of Prussia established the Iron Cross award. The Eagle is missing the It is held in place by the standard leather wedges on the inside of the shell, which are both in good shape.

The helmet 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, though it is in delicate condition, having dried out over the past 100 years.

The interior features a nice original leather liner, which shows only light use. All fingers are intact, with a lovely black finish, though the top tie is missing. Definitely one of the better liners we have seen, and we see little sign of wear. The inside of the rear skirt is also stamped with some very interesting markings, including maker HUGO BARUCH & Cie. / BERLIN / 1915. There is also a regimental marking, but it is somewhat hard to decipher, as it was stamped over the manufacturer’s date marking with B.A.8. Tr.A.8. and date 1915. This is unfortunately a Landwehr Reserve unit that we are not familiar with, and leave it as an excellent research opportunity.

The exterior of the helmet shell is really in very shape, with a nice enamel finish, showing the usual crazing and checking from age. 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!

Dimensions:
Overall length: 9 ½”
Overall width: 7 ½”
Height: 9”
Circumference: 21”
Weight: 15 oz.