Confusing Find

Ihavenoideawhatihave

Ihavenoideawhatihave

New member
IMG_2298.jpegIMG_2299.jpegI have recently bought a pickelhaube from ebay for around $25. The reason it was so cheap was because of the condition but I didn’t really care too much about it because all I wanted was to attempt to collect the remaining parts and restore it. Only problem it is only the main hemlet, no brims, no spike, no eagle, nothing. I was just wondering if anyone could help me out on finding out what type of pickelhaube this is and the year it was made.IMG_2300.jpegIMG_2301.jpegIMG_2302.jpeg
 
It's hard to tell because of the afore mentioned condition of the piece, however looking at the color of the side lugs, I'd say it's an M1915. It looks as though it also has had several Wappens on it over the years, based on the number of holes I'm seeing. Basically, it will need to have all field grey fittings, and you will need to figure out what Wappen fits the original set of holes.

I hope this helps a bit.
 
Good luck, it's going to be tough. If the side posts magnetize, you'll need grey steel fittings. Given the trace left by the line eagle, and the gap between the eyelets (7.5 to 8cm), it's a Prussian helmet. Good, because the Prussian eagle is the most common to find. We don't take into account the 10cm holes.
 
This project is going to be similar to buying an antique automobile that is missing a whole lot of parts, basically like buying the car body or "shell of the car" with most of the parts missing from it.

You will likely find our very quickly with your new project that the sum of the parts you will need to complete this helmet and whatever your time is worth to you in what it will take for you to search for the correct parts, will most likely very easily cost you far more than what it would have cost you to purchase a decent condition M15 Prussian helmet for about $350 to $400 on eBay.

Yes, the helmet shell cost you only $25, which is less than what the M15 side posts are worth, but the helmet shell has No Liner in it, and the exterior shell is missing most of the black finish from it.

A spike without the spike base, if you can find one, will cost you a minimum of $150 to realistically $200. The spike base will cost you $35-$50. The 4-split brads will likely cost you $100 to have in order to fasten a spike base down to the top of your helmet shell. Visors will likely cost $35 to $50 Each, possibly more. A metal back spine will cost $35 to $50, maybe more. The M15 Prussian Wappen or Front Plate eagle emblem will cost you a minimum of $75, maybe as much as $100. Then you have the project of refinishing the black finish on the exterior of your helmet shell. Plus sewing visors onto your helmet shell. You can leave it as is, without a liner for display purposes. One can easily see that you'll have more money invested in restoring this helmet than what it would cost to buy a nice condition complete example on eBay (one that is missing the chinstrap and the kokardes, of course, in the $350 to $400 price range).

Best Wishes,

Alan
 
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I agree totally with Alan and frankly refrained from replying when I first saw this post. In my opinion, the piece is worthless except for the M91 posts....no liner, missing finish, both visors gone, spike, rear spine, wappen etc etc. all missing. Sinking money in to this is a waste. Suppose you see an M15 spine for sale and buy it, 98% of the time, it will not fit your shell as it is the wrong size or the shell has shrunk. You could buy 12 spines and still not find a fit and replacing visor trim carries the same problem. What about the missing visors?? Where will you find those and again will they fit??? They are originally cut to match the size of the helmet, what size is this shell now after 100+ years of abuse?? Trust me, do not go down this rabbit hole and believe me I have gone there in the past! :( At present I have 4 semi complete shells waiting for "pieces". I have at least 10 brass and steel spines, and probably another 8 pieces of trim which have been sitting here for more than 15 years. Years ago a very savvy experienced collector, who hangs out in a place called "The Kaiser's Bunker" told me not to get sucked into buying helmets with stuff missing, always buy things that are complete and in the best condition you can afford. :)👍
 
Thanks Alan, in my angst over "I have" sinking $ into this, that I entirely forgot about my M15 which is up for sale! :). If anyone is interested in it contact me: [email protected] and lets talk.
 
After a few months I am back to attempt to rebuild my Pickelhaube but I have one big issue. I can't find the right front eagle plate because most of the plates on ebay have the wrong connection type (I think). If any of you know what front plate I need or what I should do instead that would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
 
Ihavenoideawhatihave said:
After a few months I am back to attempt to rebuild my Pickelhaube but I have one big issue. I can't find the right front eagle plate because most of the plates on ebay have the wrong connection type (I think). If any of you know what front plate I need or what I should do instead that would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
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I think you would enjoy it a lot more if you got a complete helmet, or at least one with the visors attached. This one needs so much work and is in such poor condition, that is is really just parts value as mentioned above. I'd bet some of us have inexpensive shells we would probably let go. Plus, getting a more complete one, or a totally complete one would be cheaper than getting every individual part.
 
ussguppy said:
I think you would enjoy it a lot more if you got a complete helmet, or at least one with the visors attached. This one needs so much work and is in such poor condition, that is is really just parts value as mentioned above. I'd bet some of us have inexpensive shells we would probably let go. Plus, getting a more complete one, or a totally complete one would be cheaper than getting every individual part.
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I completely understand but 1, I already got a visor and I'm going to restitch it on and I also have the top spike. And 2, this project was for me to completely reassemble an old Pickelhaube. But if you know what type of eagle plate I need that would be great!
 
Youd be better of restoring the leather then adding the parts. But as already mentioned this will be a money pit. Font Peak, Rear Peak, Liner, Front trim, rear spine, Spike and base and pins, front trim pins, side posts, cockades, chinstrap, front plate, 5 weeks of polishing,
 
Bobted said:
Youd be better of restoring the leather then adding the parts. But as already mentioned this will be a money pit. Font Peak, Rear Peak, Liner, Front trim, rear spine, Spike and base and pins, front trim pins, side posts, cockades, chinstrap, front plate, 5 weeks of
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Bobted said:
www.ebay.com

Pickelhaube/Spiked Helmet-Grey Steel E.M. Prussian Frontplate-Nice-Free Shipping | eBay

Original Enlisted Mans Steel Wartime Prussian Frontplate-Good / Good+ condition with both loops on back ( 1 reglued)-priced right-Check Pics. Check my other auctions! U.S. sales only. Free shipping.
www.ebay.com
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I did see this one but I don't think the connection points on the eagle plate would match up with the ones on my helmet piece. I did have this exact eagle plate picked out though originally but I'm just not sure if it would fit.
 
Sadly not all holes are equal hence extra holes on some Pickles. You will have to ask for measurements. Rob
 
If you can find a spike (even a repro), fix the finish a bit, you can use it as an Uberzug form. That's about it. IMHO.
 
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