Original German WWI Prussian M1915 Infantry EM/NCO Pickelhaube Spiked Helmet in Relic Condition Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. We have had some very nice German Pickelhaube helmets in the past, and some that definitely had a lot of service wear. This example however is a bit past that, and we would consider this a “relic condition” helmet, suitable only as a display piece. The vent and spike are stuck on, the shell is deformed and almost crushed, and the chin strap is long gone, leaving only the lugs. It definitely has the look of a helmet that was left on the field for a while before being recovered.

This is an 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 is stuck on. There is also the small adjustable vent on the spine that supports the rear skirt, only seen on the enlisted helmets, which is stuck closed.

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 still preesnt as well. It is complete with what look to be two 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 helmet still has a liner, but as with the rest, it is quite degraded. If there were any markings on the inside of the shell, they can no longer be seen due to dirt and deterioration.

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