Any good as a starter?

Not perfect but not a bad starter. You're always going to get comments about chin straps and Cockades and it looks like the rear visor might be a little loose but in my opinion there is nothing like holding one and learning with it in your hands. It will increase the velocity of your learning geometrically. The markings are good. Unfortunately there is no regiment but that is okay. It's inexpensive, common, and certainly something to grow with.
 
Nice and decent helmet! Moreover, its indeed quite affordable which is not that common nowadays on ebay.

Good luck with bidding and best regards,

Edwin
 
There are some things I don't really like about this helmet. First, the dome is pushed in on top, which may not be a big deal to some, but it is to me. Notice on the one photos of the interior with the size (58.5!) showing, the leather is cracked and appears to be 'shingling' or coming apart (this may on the inner surface, but it may cause trouble in the future). Also, what is the threaded screw from? The front plate? If so, that doesn't set well either. I notice this one has mis-spaced holes on the spike for ventilation, but that did happen from time to time. You do get two Prussian cockades, which of course means the chin strap and cockades are most likely not original to the helmet, but not a big deal to me either.
My thoughts are that the spike and base were removed for cleaning (or maybe over cleaning if the spike is as shiny as it loooks!), which isn't a big deal to me. All in all, it fits together well and it's evident that the domed rivets were removed to be cleaned... to a high shine. My concern would be for the dented in dome and cracking leather, as well as the long threaded screw from someplace.
My two cents.

:D Ron
 
This is a better bet:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1915-Bavarian-World-War-1-Pickelhaube-Spiked-Helmet-/261113215539?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3ccb8f7a33" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

:D Ron
 
Different strokes – I am not so fond of that one. However, if anyone gets it I would like the picture of the marking!
 
joerookery said:
Different strokes – I am not so fond of that one. However, if anyone gets it I would like the picture of the marking!
Click to expand...

Why's that Joe? To me, it's not perfect, but it's much better than the Prussian one that was pushed in and polished on the spike and such. :)
(great video of your dog on FB, by the way!)

:D Ron
 
poniatowski said:
joerookery said:
Ron,

I am keen on the marking. Without a unit… Less desirable. That's all.
Click to expand...

Ah, yes. Probably a War Bond helmet.

:D Ron
Click to expand...

I thought that war bond helmets were usually without cockades and a chinstrap :-k

Regards,

Edwin
 
I think I can see cockades and chinstraps on some in the pile of helmets and those in the pyramid in those old photos. Perhaps most didn't have them or they were taken off and trashed?

:D Ron
 
Not bad at all this Bavarian M15. I do not think this was a war bond helmet. It is named on the rear visor and has some traces of wearing.
Unfortunately, the back visor seems to have heavy stitching problems...
However, I totally agree with Joe, always better to get a Haube with unit markings!

Philippe
 
Agreed about the stitching problems, but that's pretty easy to fix with a fine needle and some patience. I'm comparing the form of this one to the Prussian one which was all scrunched up. My wonder is if the leather on the liner is red because of the sun or if it's starting to dry rot. Any thoughts on that? Six days left on the auction and still pretty low in price, so we have time to discuss this one.

Anyway, there may be markings on a liner tab, or too dim on the neck guard to see or photograph... not that there ARE markings. :) Yes, a unit marked helmet is nice to be sure, but if you're looking for a first helmet, something to start a collection with, I still say this one is pretty good. As a beginner, I was more happy with a good looking helmet than a well marked one. Now, like most collectors, I look for both when possible.

:D Ron
 
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