Back in 2011 there was an interesting discussion on the forum about these variants and I wonder if we might revive the topic to see if any fresh information about them has come to light since.
I have attached photos of my Prussian infantry example which was made by Wilhelm "something" of Hannover in 1915. Col J lists the same stamp in his makers' mark list but the second word is similarly undeciphered. The neckguard carries a BA X 1915 stamp together with the original wearer's rank and name. I can see that he was a Musketier but I cannot read the name.
I would be interested in members' views on just where these fixed spikers fit into the evolution of the Pickelhaube. It has been suggested to me that they are the very first M15's and were made using old M95 spike tooling prior to the manufacture of the normal bayonet fitting spikes. Certainly sounds possible - but is it correct?
Regards
Peter