Original German WWI Prussian M1915 Line Infantry EM/NCO Pickelhaube Helmet marked VERDUN 1918 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a nice 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. As with previous versions, the body was constructed from from boiled leather, which was shaped and lacquered black.

This helmet features an oxidized steel frontplate (wappen), and the crown of this leather helmet displays a vented enlisted removable spike mounted on a steel baseplate. Very interestingly, inside the spike VERDUN 1918 is written in pencil, which we assume is the area where the helmet was recovered from. This was the site of the Battle of Verdun in 1916, a major German offensive during the war, which was eventually repulsed by the French. The spike is slightly misshapen around the base, and there is a bit of damage to the locking channel, so it does not lock securely onto the helmet anymore. 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 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 standard leather wedges on the inside of the shell.  It has a German National Colors (red white and black) kokarden (cockades) around the right chin strap lug, however the left side is missing, and the chin strap is unfortunately absent.

The interior features a nice original leather liner, which is in good shape, though it does have some tears, and the top tie strap is missing. Size is approximately US 7 (56cm). The black finish on the leather is good, however it definitely has some checking, and has shrunk over the past 100 years. The rear spine is about 1/4 inch longer than the rear skirt, showing the shrinkage. The front leather visor has steel trim in good condition, and the stitching is still intact, something we rarely see!

Overall a nice condition Imperial German Prussian pickelhaube with a location and date, perfect for any WWI collection!