Oldenburg, Grand Duchy. A Model 1915 Enlisted Personnel Pickelhaube

(Oldenburg Pickelhaube M1915 für Mannschaften). An Oldenburg Model 1915 Pickelhaube for Enlisted personnel, constructed of a black vulcan fibre shell. Situated atop the crown is an oxidized magnetic metal spike perforated along the neck with ventilation holes, and which is secured in place with a 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 insignia consisting of a magnetic metal plate in the form of a Prussian imperial eagle clutching an orb and sceptre, and overlaid by an Oldenburg coat of arms, measuring 13 cm (w) x 11.5 cm (h). It is flanked by magnetic metal studs which accommodate an intact black leatherette chinstrap which is adjusted with dual magnetic metal buckles. Secured in place beneath the studs are magnetic metal cockades, with the left side painted in an Imperial tri-colour red, white, and black motif, while the right cockade displays a mis-matched Prussian black and white colour scheme. The exterior features are completed by a protruding black vulcan fibre visor, lined along the rim with an oxidized magnetic metal reinforcement. The interior retains a partially-intact brown leather liner consisting of nine fingers, each perforated at the top with a hole through which is looped an original leather drawstring. The reverse of the neck guard bears a unit stamp which has been blackened to illegible, but with a date of “1916” showing through. It measures approximately 19 cm (w) x 23 cm (l) x 22.5 cm (h) (inclusive of spike). In addition to the mis-matched cockades, the Pickelhaube demonstrates a number of issues consistent with age and field use, including cracking throughout the shell, oxidation of the metal elements, substitute material used to secure the plate in place, and fatigue and deterioration of the interior liner. This field-worn example is in a very fine condition.