Original German WWI Hessian M1915 Infantry EM/NCO Pickelhaube Spiked Helmet – dated 1918 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 Grand Duchy of Hesse. 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 “Crowned Lion” of the Grand Duchy of Hesse, with two tails holding a Sword, with bands visible on the body. In color, the lion would be red and white, the Hessian state Colors. The Lion is standing on a platform, with a wreath surrounding it made of Laurels on the left and Oak Leaves on the right. 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 Hessian (Red and Silver) 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, with good condition 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. There is a marking reading what looks to be R. B. A. 18, which could be a depo marking. There is also a small maker mark with a 1918 date, and what looks like a name, but we cannot read it.

The exterior of the helmet shell is really in great shape, with a nice shiny enamel finish, with only slight age deterioration. There are however some scratches and areas of missing finish. 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 German pickelhaube from the Grand Duchy of Hesse, perfect for any WWI collection!