Prussia, State. A Heer (Army) EM’s Pickelhaube, c.1915
(Heer Pickelhaube). This is a well-preserved First War period German Army EM’s Pickelhaube, constructed of a reinforced blackened leather shell with magnetic metal reinforcements and embellishments. The helmet features downward sloping leather flaps at the front and rear, providing a partial visor and neck protector. The front of the helmet bears a magnetic metal stylized Prussian eagle clutching an imperial sceptre and orb, inlaid with a ribbon inscribed “MIT GOTT FÜR KOENIG UND VATERLAND” (“WITH GOD FOR KING AND FATHERLAND”), with central “FR” monogram of King Frederick the Great of Prussia. The magnetic metal spike is held in place at the top by four rivets secured into the interior of the helmet with an equal number of intact butterfly-style pins. A black leather chinstrap rests over the forehead of the helmet, connected to the shell at each end by a magnetic metal loop to fixtures emanating from each side, which also bear brightly-painted metal rosettes. The interior of the helmet has a blackened leather sweatband incorporated into the body of the shell, complete with eight fingers. The structure of the helmet is supported by an independent magnetic metal ring sitting flush with the upper portion of the interior. The helmet is unmarked and measures 173 mm (w) x 222 mm (l) x 247 mm (h). The visor has lost most of its original stitching and hangs loosely, and age-appropriate wear and fatigue to the leather is evident throughout, but the helmet presents in an otherwise near very fine condition.

