Help! Is this Pickelhaube real or not?

[HistoryInterested]

I'm an interested young collector and I need help on deciding on whether this Pickelhaube is real or authentic.

I have done some research of my own and the signs aren't good although I don't feel I'm that qualified to make a proper judgement on it. Anyone willing to help would be greatly appreciated.

So far I've found that the vent leading to the base of the helmet doesn't look right as it's to far away and should be closer if it's supposedly an original, at least from what I've researched. Also, I found that there is a metal ring holding the lining together, I researched this wasn't a good sign although I'm unsure on that. The dome spuds just beneath the spike appear good to me.
That is all the research I've done it so far.

Anyone who could help I would appreciate it.

 

[Naprawiacz]

The strap is not original. Very poor re-stitching with the wrong thread. Very poor attempt at restoring the item.
Wojtek

 

[b.loree]

Welcome H: Good to have another young collector join us and ask some questions about their first pickelhaube. This is the M15 Prussian helmet which most of us buy to start our collections, myself included. This is the most common of helmets. I don't see any problems with the metal fittings on this helmet, the rear spine is tight to the shell as is the visor trim. The fittings all seem to have the same grey patina to them which is good. As mentioned the chin strap is a repro but this is very common. I am not certain about the kokarden (serrated painted discs) perhaps repainted? You have a mostly complete liner with some torn fingers (common) and there looks to be a leather thong holding the fingers together which again is typical. The liner is flaking and missing some of its black finish due to dry conditions. These liners after 100+ years are often in this condition or missing entirely. There is nothing wrong with the slider vent on the rear spine. However, there should be a soldered screw post and square nut on the inside of the spine where it curves over the rear visor. Last, as Wojtek has said, the visors have been restitched on using thread which is not the proper thickness. How much are they asking for this piece? My advice to you would be to cruise the forum and look at as many M15's as you can. Ask questions and arm yourself with some knowledge before spending hard earned cash.

 

[Lars13]

Welcome to the forum ,
I agree with Wojtek's and Brian's comments above.

• The holes for the Wappen seem to have been moved and new grommets put in, so this might be an older helmet that has been reused during the First World War, maybe even reduced in height (that might be visible underneath the liner, where the reinforcement pieces of leather are attached to the sides). That might also explain the restitching.
• The front visor seems to be made of Vulkanfiber (a man-made material), very typical for reused helmets.
• The liner has been repaired with a patch, which seems to show subsequent use, so might be a period repair.
• A big bonus for me is the unit marking, seems to be infantry regiment 4*6, it's not very often that wartime helmets are marked, and it adds a history to the helmet.

All in all an interesting helmet, and a good starting point for collecting, if the price is not too high (my guess 200-350 USD, assuming Kokarden and chinstrap are repros).
Regards,
Lars

 

[Amybellars]

Well I would have bought that when I was starting the hobby as it is an entry level and there are things on that helmet worth studying. The spike alone is now fetching $100 and so if price is right, you wouldn't lose money at all and u can still use it to study the anatomy of pickelhaube.

Keep it for a few years and you can even get higher prices.

Good luck

 

[HistoryInterested]

Welcome H: Good to have another young collector join us and ask some questions about their first pickelhaube. This is the M15 Prussian helmet which most of us buy to start our collections, myself included. This is the most common of helmets. I don't see any problems with the metal fittings on this helmet, the rear spine is tight to the shell as is the visor trim. The fittings all seem to have the same grey patina to them which is good. As mentioned the chin strap is a repro but this is very common. I am not certain about the kokarden (serrated painted discs) perhaps repainted? You have a mostly complete liner with some torn fingers (common) and there looks to be a leather thong holding the fingers together which again is typical. The liner is flaking and missing some of its black finish due to dry conditions. These liners after 100+ years are often in this condition or missing entirely. There is nothing wrong with the slider vent on the rear spine. However, there should be a soldered screw post and square nut on the inside of the spine where it curves over the rear visor. Last, as Wojtek has said, the visors have been restitched on using thread which is not the proper thickness. How much are they asking for this piece? My advice to you would be to cruise the forum and look at as many M15's as you can. Ask questions and arm yourself with some knowledge before spending hard earned cash.

Thank you for the insight!

 

[HistoryInterested]

Welcome to the forum ,
I agree with Wojtek's and Brian's comments above.

• The holes for the Wappen seem to have been moved and new grommets put in, so this might be an older helmet that has been reused during the First World War, maybe even reduced in height (that might be visible underneath the liner, where the reinforcement pieces of leather are attached to the sides). That might also explain the restitching.
• The front visor seems to be made of Vulkanfiber (a man-made material), very typical for reused helmets.
• The liner has been repaired with a patch, which seems to show subsequent use, so might be a period repair.
• A big bonus for me is the unit marking, seems to be infantry regiment 4*6, it's not very often that wartime helmets are marked, and it adds a history to the helmet.

All in all an interesting helmet, and a good starting point for collecting, if the price is not too high (my guess 200-350 USD, assuming Kokarden and chinstrap are repros).
Regards,
Lars

Thank you, especially with the price as now having converted it into pounds the helmet seems way to over priced.