Original Ersatz Prussian Cork & Cloth M1915 Pickelhaube

Sergei1877

Sergei1877

Active member
Say what fellow collectors on this helmet?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Original-Ersatz-Prussian-Cork-Cloth-M1915-Pickelhaube-/300863781021?pt=UK_Collectables_Militaria_LE&hash=item460ce0f89d" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
 
Hello Sergei

To start with, this isn't M1915 to me as the spike doesn't seem twist-off. It also looks like painted brass and not steel? :-k

As for the chinstrap, and that sweatband... hmmmm :-s
Maybe I'm wrong?
 
I had one of these some time ago, it was very aged and the iron parts were rusted. Definitely it was identical in every aspect. The spike and plate were brass but it was darkened and I think this is also the case in the pictured helmet. The internals were the same, just a sweat band and no sign that a liner ever existed.

A few other members have shown images of similar helmets in their collections. Here also is a period image of one.

chinstrap_03.jpg


chinstrap_04.jpg
 
It looks really convincing... but it's made with different cloth than an original, the sweatband is the real give away... all the originals of this type I've seen over the years have a linerband of oilcloth and not leather.
This helmet looks artificially aged; no dust build up on the entire helmet, inside or outside, yet the areas arround the seams etc. are lighter... so the helmet got dirty, but not on the seams which are exposed also and no dirt behind the plate?
Also the shape is off...
I would pass on this one.
Here are (I know, they are old and not so good) some pictures of an original for comparison...

Adler





 
Do not trust this seller ! The word "original" has a different meaning to him.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-Officers-Duchy-Of-Brunswick-Pickelhaube-With-Totenkopf-/271158454141?pt=UK_Collectables_Militaria_LE&hash=item3f224da77d" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
 
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