Original German WWI Prussian M1915 Line Infantry EM/NCO Pickelhaube Helmet 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 mount 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 removable spike is unfortunately missing.

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.  The cockades (Kokarden) and chin strap are unfortunately missing.

The interior features a nice original leather liner, however it is somewhat delicate, and shows significant wear. Based on the vents on the front of the liner, it looks like some type of Civic issue liner was installed to restore the helmet during the WWII era.

Size is approximately US 7 (56cm), but it has definitely shrunk over the past century. The black finish on the leather is good, however it definitely has some cracking, and there is a large section missing on the rear right. The front leather visor has steel trim in good condition, though the visor itself is a bit loose and has pulled apart a bit. Unfortunately boiled leather does not hold up nearly as well as steel to the years.

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