Original German WWI Prussian M1915 Line Infantry EM/NCO Pickelhaube Spiked Helmet in Untouched, “As Found”, Condition Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a nice example of a complete “untouched” 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.

The helmet we are offering is in “untouched” original condition, just the way it was found in a dry old attic not long ago! Presumably brought home as a souvenir by an American doughboy and put away long ago and forgotten about! Helmets like this are becoming harder and hard to find.

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. 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 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. The right side bears the black and white Prussian state colors. Both cockades on this helmet are original and match the age and condition of the helmet perfectly. They have obviously been affixed to the helmet for many decades.

The attached original chin strap is complete, however it is quite delicate, and shows signs of deterioration and significant aging over the last several decades.

The interior features a nice original leather liner, however it is somewhat delicate, like the chin strap. The “fingers” have cracking and are dry from storage in a hot attic for a very long time. The installed top tie is the original. Size is approximately US 7 (56cm). The black finish on the leather is good, however it definitely has some cracking and flaking of the enamel, and has shrunk over the past 100 years. The front visor and rear skirt do still have mostly intact stitching, a rarity, though it is a bit loose on both sides.

There is a unit marking in ink along the rear visor, however we are unable to discern what the markings are clearly.

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