Original German WWI Prussian M1871 Infantry Officer Pickelhaube Helmet with Chin Scales Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a traditional German first world war with Prussian brass mounted leather helmet known as a Pickelhaube. The M1871 Pickelhaube replaced the Model 1867, fixing some of the issues with that model. The slider system for attaching the wappen (helmet plate) was reverted to the securing bolts, as the sliding system did not secure the wappen sufficiently, resulting in loss. At the same time a rear spine with hidden bolts soldered to the underside of the spine was introduced as the helmet proved to be too weak without it. This particular helmet is missing the nut for the rear visor securing bolt.

It was manufactured from boiled leather, lacquered black, and provided with fittings made of brass or German silver dependant upon the Regt. The protection it offered was very limited and led to the eventual replacement by a steel helmet in 1916.

This helmet features a gilt brass (wappen) with the 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). The crown of this leather helmet displays a tall officers spike, permanently attached with a decorative Perlring ornamentation, standard on the model 1871. The spike is not removable, and unfortunately it no longer rotates to open the vent holes due to dirt and light corrosion.

It is complete with the Prussian (black and white) and German National Colors (red white and black) cockades around the chin strap attachments, indicating that it continued to be used under the German Empire, founded the year this model was introduced. The chin scales are in great condition, solid and functional with full leather behind them. The original chin strap securing screws have been replaced at some time with nickel-plated examples. 

The interior features a nice original leather liner that is dark from age and wear.  Size is approximately US 7 (56cm). The helmet’s interior shows some depot markings on the interior of the back visor.

The black leather shell shows normal age crazing and wear. The lacquer finished leather is in very good condition having no serious issues. There is also definitely some level of leather shrinkage due to age, which is why the some fittings are somewhat loose.

The front leather visor has brass trim in very good condition, though it has pulled away from the visor due to shrinking. The metal spine that descends from the spike’s baseplate to the edge of the rear visor is also in very good condition.  Overall a very nice condition Imperial Prussian Officer’s pickelhaube, a great addition to any collection.