Finally got a pickelhaube

A

Austin1914

New member
I'm new to this fascinating hobby and have just purchased an incredibly basic m15 prussian helmet! It doesn't seem to have any markings, however the rear visor is slightly damaged and stained dark in color so I couldn't tell if it is marked or not. I've heard that this may be dried blood, any thoughts or comments? I would post pictures but I don't know how...
 
First of all, Welcome to the Forum!

The M15 is a great start for any collection (mine started with one). Here is a link to photo posting:

http://pickelhaubes.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=9340" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The stain could be from any number of things from dye to water, not necessarily blood (but might be). I'm sure we'd all like to see some photos of your first and as of now proudest addition!

:D Ron
 
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Thank you for the welcome, here's the photos so tell me what you think! The helmet seems quite small is that normal? I don't have an original chinstrap or cockades unfortunately. Any thoughts on the mysterious stain on the rear visor would be greatly appreciated! Thanks
 
With respect to its distribution, the likeliness that this stain came from blood is remote... More probably, the rear visor happened to get soaked in water or some other liquid. I hope you are relieved....
Bruno
... nice helmet though; well preserved shape and finish. You should have no problem finding the missing bells and whistles. Best wishes for the hunt.
 
I'm glad to hear it isn't blood. I'd hate to think some poor guy died under this helmet. Sure wish I could find some markings on it though, can't help but wonder where it's been over the past 100 years.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
 
Overall, a nice looking helmet and it does look like water damage to the rear visor, as blood would probably have spattered. The half hole is interesting though, which does look like projectile damage, but who knows. The rest of the helmet finish is very nice. Congrats on a nice first acquisition. These helmets are addictive.

:D Ron
 
Welcome to the forum, and Congratulations on our first helmet! =D>

You'll soon find out what Ron says above is true: "these helmets are addictive". :)

Best Regards,

Alan
 
Great to have you with us Austin...welcome. I think most of us started with an M15, I know I did. The Prussian M15 is the most common of the helmets and thousands were brought back to Canada and the US either by soldiers or the governments to use as War Bond prizes. Yours obviously has "been there" so probably a vet pick up. Most M15's have no regimental markings while the brass Model 1895's do. The reason for no markings, is that the Germans clued into the fact that captured marked helmets gave away intelligence to their enemies. For example, the number and name of the Regt. Many M 15's will be ink stamped with the manufacturer name usually within a circle up in the top of the helmet plus the size of the helmet eg 55 (cm) usually on the underside of the rear visor.
 
it is the first but trust me it won't be the last one
these helmets are like an addiction
once you got the virus you keep it
congrats on your nbr 1

jonas
 
I got some replica cockades and chinstrap to finish it! I see what y'all mean when you say this hobby is addicting because I can't help but think I should get another m15 from a state besides Prussia to add to the collection! Perhaps a Baden or maybe a Bavarian helmet? I also think I might like to try restoring one in bad condition. I've read the links on this site about restoration, and the results look amazing! I really can't afford this hobby though so I need to slow down! :D


 
I think you're on the right track. When I started collecting, an M15 was $50 and considered expensive by the older collectors. Tony of Kaiser's Bunker had some great advice about collecting. Start by deciding what you really want to add to your collection and make a list. For example, you could indeed try to collect an M15 from every state, Duchy and such. You can concentrate on branches of service, Infantry, Artillery, Kuerassier, etc. You could also collect a specific unit... which is very challenging. However, making a list of what you want first is a great idea. It keeps you from buying helmets that won't fill a hole in the collection (almost impossible for me to do) and saves money. Books are also a good investment. I also browse web sites to see originals for sale, because there are often excellent reference photos.

Money. Yes, there's never enough for me either. If you're married, keep the wife in mind, because it's her money too in many cases. My wife has been more than understanding with this hobby, allowing me to spend the cost of a new Harley over the past few years. (which is why I don't have a Harley!). Now, the spree is over and it's back to saving. So budgeting is very important unless you have a huge bank account... in which case you'd probably be collecting tanks, warbirds, cars or something. :wink:
So: 1) make a list 2) research books 3) keep the wife happy 4) budget and save. 5) ENJOY the collection you have, even if it's only one helmet! (there are also photos and 'ephemera' to collect... but again, money!)

:D Ron
 
Nice start to your collection! Like you, I started with OR but the allure of Officer chinscales was too much! :)
 
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