German Pre WWI, Prussian Pioneer Battalion Enlisted Pickelhaube,
This item is listed for historical interest only. It was listed on our site previously but has been sold and is no longer available for purchase.
Sold for: $850.00

Original era manufacture. M1895 Pioneer enlisted helmet, with nickel trim throughout. The helmet is complete with its original chinstrap, both Prussian & national kokarden, and intactliner.The leather body has a nice gloss finish to the leather, both visors are securely stitched to the body, no extra holes behind the wappen. The black leather liner is intact, no broken fingers, with portions of the black leather drawstring remaining.Stamped into the rear neckguard is a army depot stamp which is dated 1918. This is not a production year, just the year the helmet was accepted as stores for that depot.An interesting aspect of the helmet is that the black painted steel disc, normally found inside the helmet, providing stability forthe spike base; now can be seen on the top of the helmet, with the spike base sitting upon it.Over the years I have seen a number of helmets with this arrangement. My theory is that the doughboy who brought the helmet home after WWI, removed the spike so as to not damage the helmet in his duffle-bag. Once home, he installed the parts to complete his helmet, forgetting the order in which the assorted parts were to be assembled. At least that's my two cents.