I cannot belive the depth of knowalge you guys have on this subject ...you read about the Great War( i'm just finishing up a great read called Europes Last Summer) and then you take it home by the events which occured and the decisions made on what requirements were issued on basic outfitting of a troop....it really draws together what it must have been like not only as a soldier but as a factory worker who on a monday morning is retooling to fill an order which was changed the week prior. Joe that article is really interesting very informative. Chas, those haubes are great as are the ones Tony has shown, Gustaf it is a 4 part as is the Russian Adrian and i did find the source so i dont get drummed out of the forum .....Seriously you guys need to publish a book on this just take your collective web pages and put them together.
http://www.worldwar1.com/sfgph.htm
An Ersatz (Substitute) helmet, made of lacquered steel, made in early 1915. The start of the war brought on the British blockade of Germany. Leather for helmets was imported from Argentina, and the demand for helmets exhausted supplies almost immediately. Manufacturers of kitchen utensils were called on to turn out helmets of thin steel and tin. Although the helmet is steel, it offered no real protection in combat, nor did the leather helmet. All other fittings are standard 1895 model brass fittings. The helmet plate is a pre-war type and not original to the helmet. The kokades are from the 1914 era, but are not original to the helmet. The chinstrap is a modern reproduction. Collectors refer to this as a 'parts' helmet, as it is an assembly of original parts. It does not have the same value as a complete helmet with all original fittings. Other examples of this type of helmet were painted field grey, with brass or steel fittings and plates, also painted field grey.
OK here is one for you this is not from a web site or anything, this is just my curiosity ...What is the deal with Prussia how did it get its name how was it once a region and now no more, i know the area it encompases but why is it not a factor was it disbanded after WW1....thank you all again , Sten