Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice Imperial Prussian Artillery enlisted man's Mannschaften (other ranks) pickelhaube. On this version of the Pickelhaube, a ball representing a cannon ball replaced the usual spike, leading this to be referred to as an Artillerie Kugelhelm (Artillery Ball-Top Helm). The M1915 was the last model of Pickelhaube issued prior to the move to all steel helmets. In accordance with the 1915 regulations these helmets would no longer would use brass, silver, or Tombak as the M1895 did. All issued Pickelhaube would now use grey oxidized steel fittings for all Regiments. This example is in rough condition, missing several parts, but comes with a gorgeous original Pickelhaube cover for display, which is maker marked on the interior, with a size of 57.
This helmet features a lovely oxide coated steel wappen (frontplate) 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 leather securing wedges to hold the wappen in are missing, and the left loop is held to the plate by hot glue.
The crown of this leather helmet displays a vented enlisted removable ball (kugel) mounted on a steel baseplate. The ball is in very good condition, and is easily removable using the "bayonet-style" attaching system. The hardware on the helmet has however been painted post war, except for the wappen. The vent on the rear spine moves relatively easily.
The helmet has neither cockade nor does it have its chinstrap. The liner of this example is absent, and there are no markings we can find. It is roughly a Size 7. A truly gorgeous display helmet with the cover, ready for further research and display.
The Pickelhaube-
Germany’s Pickelhaube helmet, distinguished by a lone spike jutting straight from its top, became a symbol of Prussian militarism in the early 20th century. Introduced by the Prussian military in 1843, the Pickelhaube was originally proposed for use by cavalry troops. The helmets, made of pressed leather, were developed as an updated solution to the conical shako hats worn by Prussians during the Napoleonic Wars. Napoleonic-era shakos offered virtually no head protection and were cumbersome to wear in wet conditions, as they easily soaked up rain. The Pickelhaube, therefore, was greeted as a practical modern invention. The new “leather helmets” or “helmets with spikes” gave soldiers’ greater head covering and visibility.
The distinctive spike on the Pickelhaube was supposed to function as a blade tip. It was designed to deflect sword blows aimed at the head. The spikes could be modified depending on soldiers’ battlefield duties and outfitted with plumes on formal occasions.
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