Original German WWI Prussian M1915 Infantry EM/NCO Pickelhaube Spiked 54cm Helmet – dated 1916 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very 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, which seems to be partly stuck on at present. 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). The leather wedges holding the wappen are no longer present, replaced by wire. 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, though it is in delicate condition, with the correct steel attaching rings.

The interior features a nice original leather liner, which shows moderate use. All fingers are intact, but the top securing strap is missing. The top of the helmet has a manufactures around mark, which we unfortunately cannot read. It also has a size marking of 54 in front of the spike base, and a date of 1916 to the right. There is also a faded depot marking on the underside of the rear visor.

The exterior of the helmet shell is in good shape, though it definitely has shrunk. There is some finish cracking and bubbling, along with the usual crazing from age. The front and rear visors are still attached, but only barely, as almost all of the stitching has given out. Additionally, the metal trim on the front visor has been almost completely removed. The rear support spine is now separated from the helmet due to the leather having shrunk.

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