Original German WWI Prussian M1915 Size 55 Infantry EM/NCO Pickelhaube Spiked Helmet – dated 1917 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 brass baseplate. There is also the small adjustable vent on the spine that supports the rear skirt.

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 leather chin strap and both kokarden (cockades) are unfortunately missing. The black leather finish is good, with the expected checking an cracking of age. The leather on the rear left area of the helmet has degraded a bit. and is soft and cracked.

The front leather visor has steel trim in good condition, though the visor itself is a bit loose. The metal spine that descends from the spike’s baseplate to the edge of the rear visor is in good condition, though the rear skit is a bit loose.. The interior features a nearly complete original leather liner with original draw string, though it is worn. The inner leather shell is also ink stamped with size 55, as well as a round manufacturer stamp with date marking:

HAMMERSBACH
1917
Reisdorf

Overall a nice condition 1917-dated Imperial Prussian pickelhaube with maker marking, perfect for any WWi collection.