Original Item: Only One Available. This is a wonderful service-used example of an M-1915 Imperial Bavarian Line Infantry 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 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 easily removable. It also has the correct vent on the rear spine, though it is currently very hard to move. The front wappen features a crowned Bavarian coat of arms, over the kingdom's motto, In Treue Fest, German for "steadfast in loyalty."

It has the National red, white, and black cockade, but is missing the state Bavarian 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. The attached chinstrap is most likely not original to the helmet.

The original liner is present and in fair condition, showing wear and deterioration from age and use. There is some wear around the bottom edge on the sides, and several of the "fingers" are torn through on the tips. The top tie strap is completely missing. The leather under the liner is in worn and dry-rotted shape, but it will still display very nicely.

The exterior of the helmet shell is in good shape, 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 still quite well attached to the helmet with much of the stitching still present.

Overall a very nice condition Imperial German Bavarian pickelhaube, perfect for any WWI collection!