Original Item: Only One Available. A stunning textbook example of an M-1915 Imperial Prussian Line Infantry enlisted man's Mannschaften (other ranks or EM / NCO) pickelhaube in good condition. 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 use brass, silver, or Tombak as the M1895 did. All issued Pickelhaube would now use gray oxidized steel fittings for all Regiments. As with previous versions, the body was constructed from boiled leather, which was shaped and lacquered black.

This example has a tag on the interior reading Arrived from France Dec 6/18. This is likely when the American soldier returned to the United States with the helmet, as these were one of the most sought-after items by U.S. soldiers as souvenirs, but without any other information we cannot know for sure.

This helmet features an oxide plated steel frontplate (wappen), and the crown of this leather helmet displays a vented enlisted removable spike mounted on a steel baseplate, which is still able to be removed properly. There is also a small adjustable vent on the spine that supports the rear skirt, only seen on the enlisted helmets, which is frozen. The front wappen features a crowned Prussian state eagle clutching a scepter and orb in its claws, over the King's motto, MIT GOTT FÜR KOENIG UND VATERLAND (With God for King and Country, i.e. Prussia). The wappen retains the original leather retaining wedges.

It is complete with original cockades around the lugs but they are heavily worn and missing some white paint. For historical purposes: 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.

The attached chinstrap may be original but could also be an early replacement as it appears thicker and has a piece at the buckle that appears to have been torn. It does have heavy wear and may be of the period. The liner on this example is absent. There is what appears to be a unit or depot stamp on the rear visor that may read XBA18? It is too worn to read properly but this is a great opportunity for research.

The exterior of the helmet shell is in good condition, with very little change to the shape, and the black enamel still exhibits a nice sheen. There are areas of cracking and checking, but they just serve to add to the lovely patina of age. The front and rear visors are in good shape but the front visor shows signs of re-stitching.

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