GERMAN WWI HESSIAN ENLISTED MANS PICKELHAUBE.

A slightly congealed but untouched rare Hessian pickelhaube from WWI. There was a period where the very small State of Hesse ran out of their own leather skulls and used leather skulls from States close by to create their own field grey M.15 helmets, this is such an example. The skull is good and strong but slightly congealed in places, one side of the rear peak the stitching is loose from the main body, front peak all secure. The helmet has its original Hesse style cross base with a standard M.15 removable spike. Standard Hessian front plate in field grey, field grey front peak trim, its original strap, national cockade and Hessian cockade. Inverting the helmet four extra smaller holes can be seen surrounding the central aperture for the placing of a non Hessian style circular spike base. Also the two original factory pierced holes for the fitting of a standard non Hessian plate have been covered and interestingly two extra wide holes, Hessian being one of the widest plates, have been introduced with their own steel circlets. Minor creasing to the interior of the front peak trim. All of the tongues of the 9 tongued liner are complete and supple. A good amount of the chemically patinated field grey finish still remaining with some rust spots. A rare helmet.

Code: 80126