Felt Pickelhaube Ersatz Helmet. Imperial Prussian Army. 1914

Fascinating felt Picklehaube helmet belonging to the Imperial Prussian Army, made in 1914 and in amazing condition. The helmet is complete, both inside and outside, and is wonderfully preserved. The only flaw that we can appreciate is a tiny hole at the back, made to hang the helmet from a hook or nail. But this is an unimportant detail if we consider that most of these antique felt helmets have disappeared, as it is quite a fragile material that scarcely resists the trace of time. So we are looking at a real survivor, worthy of a museum or a good collection. Pickelhaube helmets are characterized by the iconic metal spike that crowns the design. In this case, the Ersatz word refers to the model. Felt models (as the one we are talking of) were the first given to the German army in the beginning of World War I. They were delivered between September 1914 and January 1915 and were given mainly to stand-by duty troops. The following designs would be covered in shiny black leather, stronger than felt; nevertheless, they were not sturdy enough as to protect soldiers during the battle, so in the early 1916 they were substituted by the stahlhelm (steel helmet) and relegated to a ceremonial role. The helmet that we can see in the images keeps the original felt covering in an almost flawless condition, with no traces of wear, torn parts or visible stains. The same can be said about the leather strap, original from the period and with two brass belts. The strap is connected to the helmets sides by two metal insignia: the right one represents Germany and shows the red, white and black colors, and the left one is related to Prussia (black and white). At the front we can see a striking chromed-brass Prussian eagle on the battlefield, holding a scepter and the orb in its claws. The helmet preserves the metal crowning spike and the brass border of the front cap, both in fine condition, and is delivered with the stand. Unique and fully original from the period, this felt Picklehaube helmet belonging to the Imperial Prussian Army is bound to become part of a great collection of militar antiques.