Prussian State W.W.1 ( 1914 to 1918 ) O.R ( ordinary ranks ) black leather spiked model M1915 pickelhaube helmet, in good condition. This model is the standard replacement model for the M1895 model pickelhaube which the majority of the Imperial Prussian Army were wearing at the start of the war in 1914. It sports the detachable spike & grey treated steel furniture which were implemented partly as a cost saving exercise against brass or white metal & also the dull grey metal instead of shiny brass which coupled with the spike, made great targets for enemy soldiers! The detachable spike was implemented & orders were for all front line troops issued with this helmet to detach the spike whilst operational movements were being undertaken, however it is well known that individual units chose to wear them anyway!

The original pickelhaube was designed by King Fredrick 4th Of Prussia in 1842 who it is believed copied the idea from an earlier Russian design, the model was changed a few times during its lifespan & was phased out before W.W.1 ended in 1918. The need for steel combat helmets became apparent after the M1916 Stalheim (steel helmet) was introduced & the amount of fatal head wound casualties fell by 70%. The style of helmet is still worn as a ceremonial helmet in various countries around the world but ceased to be part of German military uniform after the fall of the German Empire in 1918.

The M1915 model superseded the M1895 model & made of a combination of materials to form the leather body it was known as “The Ersatz” pickelhaube, this model has a black leather outer shell with leather chinstrap & also sports both the national Imperial Reich cockade & the Prussian State cockade on either side of the helmet where the chinstrap is attached. Overall in good condition for its age ( 100 years old ), please see all pics for more detail. 

A fine collectable helmet from the W.W.1 era that will always hold esteem in ANY collection