Original German WWI Prussian Model 1895 One Year Volunteer Line Infantry Enlisted Pickelhaube Helmet Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a traditional German first world war Prussian Mannschaften (Other Ranks) One Year Volunteer brass mounted leather helmet known as a Pickelhaube, for the Foot-troops (Infantry). The M1895 Bavarian Pickelhaube was the final pre-1914 evolution in a long series of spiked helmets, and is very similar to the M1895 Prussian version. This Private Purchase pickelhaube has a body made of pressed felt, with leather front and rear visor lacquered black, and provided with fittings made of brass or German silver, dependent upon the Regt. The protection it offered was very limited and led to the eventual replacement by a steel helmet in 1916.
 
This helmet features a gilt brass infantry wappen (front plate) with the Prussian coat of arms, over the kingdom’s motto, “Mit Gott Für Koenig und Vaterland” (With God for King and Country, i.e. Prussia). 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, as on this helmet These are retained by the flat brass chin scales, which were correct for all infantry soldiers until 1914.
 
Interior of the Pickelhaube is in very fine condition, and this example actually has an Intersting liner made of an oilcloth material. The inside of the body reveals the reverse side of the felt body, which is blue.  It may be a privately purchased helmet for a senior NCO, with some officer appointments on the interior. The lacquer finished leather is in very good condition having no serious issues.
 
The front leather visor has brass trim in very good condition and is still tight to the visor. The metal spine that descends from the spike’s baseplate to the edge of the rear visor is also in very good condition, as is the rear visor. The stitching holding both the front and rear visors is still intact, something we rarely see! It is almost always rotted out.
 
Overall a very nice condition Prussian M-1895 One Year Volunteer Infantry pickelhaube, a great addition to any collection!