M1915 with a brass knopf 91

[morel5000]

Hi All,

I recently purchased a M15 Prussian pickelhaube. Nothing special but it has a nice worn shine to it. However I discovered that one knopf 91 is made of brass. I know (I asked ) that this could be a possible repair. It has a very nice patina on the outside. Also both knopfs are missing their inner counter discs. The question is, are these knopfs repros and has the helmet been seriously messed with or is it possibly done a long time ago with original parts (perhaps by Germans itself)?

The helmet has an unreadable maker mark and the stamp BA XV 1915.

Thanks in advance,
Michel

Overview helmet:

Outside steel knopf:

Inside steel

Outside brass:

Inside brass:

 

[Tony without Kaiser]

I would say those M91 posts have been have been replaced. This is really not a big deal as the rest of the helmet looks fine. Better than most actually. Nice solid liner, good lacquer exterior, matching patina to the metal fittings. I like it.

 

[poniatowski]

Looks like a nice, solid piece. I agree with Tony, although the posts look as if they were probably replaced (or removed by a former owner who couldn't put them on right), I wouldn't sweat it. Mixed fittings may be original to the helmet.

Ron

 

[morel5000]

Thanks guys! I'll keep it my small collection.

Best regards,
Michel

 

[b.loree]

My Hesseen M15 OR helme has brass M91 posts on it which were definately factory installed, so it was done. However, in this case this looks to be a set of collector replacements (originals) installed improperly. If this were a period German repair then things would have been done correctly. You are also missing the tin washers which re enforce the shell. You can see their outline on the leather. Not a big deal. Excellent liner, and outside shell. Over all, a nice example!