G017291 MODEL 1915 PRUSSIAN KURASSIER METALHELME WITH EXTERIOR BLACK FINISH.
BACKGROUND:
Development of the pickelhaube may be traced back to the Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm IV who initiated the original design and introduced it for wear by most of the Prussian line Infantry regiments on October 23RD 1842. The pickelhaube became a visual symbol of Prussia’s military might and underwent numerous modifications starting in 1860 and continuing right up until 1915. The Grand Duchy of Baden adopted a somewhat unique pickelhaube in 1849 with major differences from the Prussian pickelhaube of the time. Starting in 1856 the Baden style pickelhaube was modified to conform with the Prussian style and after 1867 any further modifications were identical to the Prussian version excluding the Baden state helmet plate. The demise of the pickelhaube began in the fields of WWI as a result of increased head wounds suffered by the German troops which were mainly caused by grenade and shell fragments. As a result of the increased head wounds and the development of the first "modern" steel helmets by the French army in early 1915 and by the British army later that year the German army began tests for their own steel helmet at the Kummersdorf Proving Grounds in November, and in the field in December 1915. An acceptable pattern was developed and approved and production of the new steel helmets began at the Eisen-und Hüttenwerke, AG Thale/Harz, in the spring of 1916. After the introduction of the M16 helmet the pickelhaube was relegated for wear only on ceremonial occasions.PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Model 1915 Prussian Kurassier Metalhelme parkarized black finish. All grey-oxidized steel fittings with complete original leather liner. Missing spike, kokarden and chinstrap. The helmet features a large rounded body with slided front visor and extended, single scale, lobster-tail rear visor which comes to the unique point of the Kurassier Metalhelm. The entire circumference is trimmed in steel to outer edges. Rear visor has the standard 11 evenly spaced steel retaining rivets, front visor secured by 2 rivets. Front plate is that of the Prussian Heraldic eagle. Oval shaped spike base is secured to the helmet body via four steel screws and nuts. Interior featured the brown leather liner with some torn fingers and pull though. Maker's mark inside the helmet as "HERM WEISSENBURG & CIE CANNSTATT". Original green painted underside of front visor with rear visor painted in black. Size marked 56½.
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