Is this Prussian plate real?
- Thread starter Rafadachapa
- Start date
Kaiser Wilhelm II
Well-known member
The helmet is fully original, these M15 enlisted examples are seldom faked (or at least quality fakes) and this is a rough but sound example of one. It is only missing the chinstrap and cockades.
Rafadachapa
New member
Thanks for the info. I really want to get a pickelhaube without breaking bank and this was the most affordable one that wasn’t falling apart.
Kaiser Wilhelm II
Well-known member
Prussian M15's like these are definitely the best for situations like yours, they are the most abundant of all, and can be had in all different conditions.
John Josef
Well-known member
My only advice would be to hold out and buy a nice complete example.
There are many reasons to do this.
1. All collectors know you will soon be looking to buy more. The only person to ever have only one Pickelhaube was Col Klink.
2. You will have to spend another 150 to 200 for a real chinstrap plus 150 to 200 for a real set of Cockades. So, paying the 300 or 350 for an incomplete damaged helmet when you really think about it isn't the way to go.
3. Once you get the helmet you will become more interested in the subject and things will change suddenly that missing liner will be the only thing you see when looking at the helmet so then you will need to pay someone to repair it add another couple of hundred bucks.
So, new collectors IMO should wait a bit and buy a nice quality complete helmet that they will always enjoy no matter what other helmets they buy down the road.
Or should you want to ever sell it when you invest in a nice helmet they always appreciate in value so you can always get at least your money back should the need or want arrise and possibly much much more.
Having a nice complete helmet is the way to go, having shelves full of projects is the wrong way believe me I know. When I first started as a kid I would buy everything I came across. Hold out save a bit and buy a nice piece you will thank me later I guarantee it.
Welcome to the forum.
There are many reasons to do this.
1. All collectors know you will soon be looking to buy more. The only person to ever have only one Pickelhaube was Col Klink.
2. You will have to spend another 150 to 200 for a real chinstrap plus 150 to 200 for a real set of Cockades. So, paying the 300 or 350 for an incomplete damaged helmet when you really think about it isn't the way to go.
3. Once you get the helmet you will become more interested in the subject and things will change suddenly that missing liner will be the only thing you see when looking at the helmet so then you will need to pay someone to repair it add another couple of hundred bucks.
So, new collectors IMO should wait a bit and buy a nice quality complete helmet that they will always enjoy no matter what other helmets they buy down the road.
Or should you want to ever sell it when you invest in a nice helmet they always appreciate in value so you can always get at least your money back should the need or want arrise and possibly much much more.
Having a nice complete helmet is the way to go, having shelves full of projects is the wrong way believe me I know. When I first started as a kid I would buy everything I came across. Hold out save a bit and buy a nice piece you will thank me later I guarantee it.
Welcome to the forum.
Rafadachapa
New member
A little too late as I impulsively purchased it last night 
(someone else added it in their cart and I wasn’t taking chances lol). I trust your wisdom though because immediately I have been looking for cockades and a good quality repro chin strap. While I slowly piece this pickelhaube together I’ll listen to your advice and holdout from buying another one unless it’s complete. Btw what techniques do collectors like you do to preserve these pieces? I know to never use modern leather oils on them, etc but I’d like to know ways to preventing it from future cracking.
Thanks for the warm welcome to the forum
Rafael
(someone else added it in their cart and I wasn’t taking chances lol). I trust your wisdom though because immediately I have been looking for cockades and a good quality repro chin strap. While I slowly piece this pickelhaube together I’ll listen to your advice and holdout from buying another one unless it’s complete. Btw what techniques do collectors like you do to preserve these pieces? I know to never use modern leather oils on them, etc but I’d like to know ways to preventing it from future cracking.Thanks for the warm welcome to the forum
Rafael
First welcome to the forum, second you initially asked about the wappen (helmet plate) . It lacks crisp details because as the war dragged on the dies used to stamp these wore out and were not replaced. So, yours is typical of mid war production. As to care, they need support to keep weight off of the visors, don’t display near a heat vent or expose to sunlight. Wipe exterior dust off with damp cloth a couple of times a year. Actually, there is a more detailed care guide at The Kaiser’s Bunker…..the best English reference guide on the net!