Hesse, Grand Duchy. A Model 1915 Artillery Enlisted Personnel Pickelhaube

(Hesse Kugelhelm für Männer der Artillerie). A Hesse Model 1915 Pickelhaube for artillery Enlisted personnel, constructed of a black vulcan fibre shell. Situated atop the crown is an oxidized magnetic metal ball perforated around the neck with ventilation holes, and which is secured in place with a cross-shaped baseplate featuring four rivets. A bar of identical construction emanates from the back of the baseplate and extends down to a black vulcan fibre neck guard. Riveted to the peak is an oxidized magnetic metal insignia consisting of a Hessian lion rampant clutching a sword, situated within a semi-circular laurel and oak leaf wreath. The plate measures 12 cm (w) x 9.5 cm (h). It is flanked by magnetic metal studs which secure in place a black leather chinstrap, adjusted with dual functional magnetic metal buckles. Secured in place beneath the studs are cockades, with the left side featuring a replacement bakelite example painted in a red and white Hessian motif, while the right side is constructed of magnetic metal and is finished in an Imperial red, white, and black tri-colour scheme. The exterior features are completed with a protruding black vulcan fibre visor, reinforced along the rim with a magnetic metal bar. The interior features a brown leather liner culminating in ten fingers, each perforated at the top with an eyelet through which is looped a replacement drawstring. Stamped onto the reverse of the neck guard in black ink is a K.B.A.G. logo above a date of “1916”. The liner bears an additional stamped size mark of “55”. The Pickelhaube measures approximately 17 cm (w) x 24.5 cm (l) x 19 cm (h) (inclusive of ball). In addition to the replacement cockade issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include oxidation throughout the metal features, material fatigue to the leather and vulcan fibre elements, and some distortion of the shell structure. It is in an overall fair condition.