Original Item: Only One Available. This is a rare German first world war Prussian Mannschaften (Other Ranks) brass mounted tin plate (not leather) helmet known as a Pickelhaube, for the Foot-troops (Infantry).

The specific model is actually quite rare and is known as a Eisenblech (tin plate) Ersatz-Helme (Substitute helmet). The M1914 was the second to last step in the final evolution in a long series of spiked helmets. It was manufactured from tin, and provided with fittings made of brass. The protection it offered was 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 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). The Preußen issued Wappen in 1895 were intended to be made out of Tombak (an alloy made from a combination of copper and zinc) but it seems that the copper-color was unpopular and they were soon replaced with Aluminiumbronze which has a very bright brass appearance. The wappen is still held in place well.

The front visor has brass trim in very good condition. Wappen, spike, and brass trim are all in good order, fitted tightly in place, and (obviously to us) never modified, removed, or played with in any way. Overall, the exterior with the original paint and finish is in great condition, showing some heavy oxidation and chipping on the back-right side. The leather liner is still present but it is very weak.

The helmet is complete with original cockades. 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 chinstrap holding the cockades on is original but is in very rough condition, with a past leather repair on one end that is very close to breaking again, so it could use another small repair. It is hanging on by a thread currently, and may arrive broken. 

The front visor of the helmet is marked on the interior faintly:

Rvrd. H. Berlin-Sch.
1915

The marking is unfortunately incomplete but from what is present we believe the helmet to be marked to Berlin-Schöneberg, and dated 1915. The marking is in a very interesting font, and makes for a fantastic research project!

Overall a very nice condition rare Prussian Eisenblech (tin plate) Ersatz-Helme (Substitute helmet) pickelhaube with a great unit marking, a great addition to any collection. One of the hardest to find Imperial German Pickelhaubes to locate, and in stunning condition. This unmolested helmet would makes for a stunning display piece!