Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good service used condition Imperial German Prussian M1915 Line Kürassier (Curassier) Heavy Cavalry Metal Lobster Tail Pickelhaube Helmet, made by the legendary C.E. Juncker of Berlin. This is one of the two varieties of Metalhelme (Metal Helmets) in use by the German Armed forces, the other of which are the Jäger zu Pferde Metalhelm worn by mounted dispatch riders.

There is no size marked, but it seems to be around a 57cm, and is dated 1916 around the top vent, placing production right in the middle of WWI. The M1915 was the last model of Pickelhaube issued. In accordance with the 1915 regulations these helmets would no longer would use brass, silver, or Tombak as previous models did. All issued Pickelhaube would now use grey oxidized steel fittings for all Regiments, where previously the curassier fittings had varied based on the regiment. Also, this last revision of the helmet replaced the usual chin scale chin strap with the standard M91 leather chin strap, and it would now have the standard removable spike, held on with a "bayonet" style attachment.

This pickelhaube has a basic three-piece construction: helmet, visor and extended rear protective neck guard. It is fabricated from bright polished steel, though it is now faded to a grayish peppered patina. The helmet is topped by a removable spike with four ventilation holes and a spike mounting base in the oval shape used by the heavy cavalry, which is held in place by four large capped rivets. The front comes with a visor designed with a turned-up lip, held in place by large capped rivets on either end.

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. The spike moves, but is currently stuck on unfortunately. The rear neck guard protrudes outwards, away from the body in the traditional "lobster tail" design, held in place with large capped rivets just inside the outer edge and one smaller central rivet at the rear neck line. The entire outer edge is trimmed in a rolled-around steel band, including the visor and neck guard, protecting the wearer from the raw steel edges of the helmet itself. The top of the helmet is maker stamped and dated C. E. JUNCKER / 1916 on the inside of the dome, around the vent hole.

The front Dragoon-style wappen features Prussian state eagle clutching a sword and rod, with a banner across the breast bearing the King's motto, MIT GOTT FÜR KOENIG UND VATERLAND (With God for King and Country, i.e. Prussia). The FR in the center is for the first Prussian King, Frederick I (Fridericus Rex), who elevated Prussia from a Duchy to a Kingdom. It is held in place by the standard leather wedges on the inside of the shell. 

Both kokarden (cockades) are present, and are definitely quite large compared to those on a standard pickelhaube. In 1897 a new Reichs-Kokarde in Red-White-Black was introduced for all ranks to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kaiser Wilhelm 1st, which is on the left side. The right side bears the black and white Prussian state colors. The paint on both is still almost completely intact, though they are both now somewhat dirty and faded, so the white looks closer to beige. The chin strap is still present, however it is in somewhat delicate condition.

The interior helmet still has an original leather liner, which looks to be in very good condition, though the top tie is unfortunately missing. A few of the fingers look to be torn through as well. We usually see this with no liner at all, so this is a real treat!

Overall a nice condition Imperial German Prussian Line Kürassier Lobster Tail pickelhaube with a maker marking and date, perfect for any WWI collection!