Original German WWI Prussian M1915 Pickelhaube Helmet – Dated 1916 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good condition Imperial Prussian line Infantry enlisted man’s Mannschaften (other ranks) 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. 

The Helmet’s steel front wappen (helmet plate) features Prussian state eagle clutching a scepter and crown, 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 traditional leather wedges through the eyelets on the wappen. The crown of this leather helmet displays a vented enlisted removable spike mount on an oxidized steel baseplate. The spike is unfortunately absent.

The black leather shell shows normal age crazing and wear. The lacquer finished leather is in very good condition, though there are some splits and areas of flaking. Overall the stitching is loose, having pulled out a bit and rotted away in places. 

The front leather visor has oxidized steel trim in very good condition, though it is held on only by the metal split pins at the end, as the stitching has rotted out. The metal spine that descends from the spike’s baseplate to the edge of the rear visor is also in very good condition, and has the correct adjustable vent. The interior features a nice original leather liner, though the tie string is missing.. The interior shell is faintly maker marked and dated 1916. Size is approximately US 7 (55/56cm), though it may have originally been larger and shrank.

Overall a very nice condition Imperial Prussian pickelhaube that needs a little work to get it to complete condition.