I have had this helmet for sometime, but can't out what the different markings mean. It has the elements of the 1915 with gray metal and removable spike. Although it is stamped in the rear with 70R 1906. Then has a stamp and date inside that looks to be 1915 and the signature Bruhl which is a town in Germany. Could this be model 1895 that was modified in 1906 when Germany was in need of brass?
Help Identifying
- Thread starter cshomeusa
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Kaiser Wilhelm II
Well-known member
Hello CS, and welcome to the Forum.
I have seen similar pieces, and I personally do not know why they are marked as earlier than 1915. Perhaps an old shell pulled from storage or something. That is all the input I can give on this aside from assurance of the Markings, being that this helmet is from the 70th Infantry Regiment (8th Rheinish). I too am interested in the responces other can give.
I have seen similar pieces, and I personally do not know why they are marked as earlier than 1915. Perhaps an old shell pulled from storage or something. That is all the input I can give on this aside from assurance of the Markings, being that this helmet is from the 70th Infantry Regiment (8th Rheinish). I too am interested in the responces other can give.
HatEnjoyer
Well-known member
Welcome to the forum! Germany switched to using dull steel fittings instead of shiny brass due to camouflage reasons around 1915. I wouldn't be surprised if it was an older 1895 helmet converted to the 1915 regulations, but as Hayden said, it could've been an old shell pulled from storage.
coert65
Well-known member
Welcome here CS, I go with the message @HatEnjoyer posted above mine. It is most likely a M95 helmet, which was converted to M15, with grey fittings. This was done on many older helmets, especially if the helmet needed a repair. Or reissued.
Hi,
Welcome!
Agree with comments above. An M95 helmet converted to M15, the clearest indication are the grommets that are still brass, (hard to replace for very little gain) while the rest is field grey. When the war started brass became scarce very quickly in Germany (as did aluminium & nickel), and they were replaced by iron / steel.
The visors and the "Ohrenleder" (the bell-shaped leather pieces sewn to the sides) seem to have been resewn, the old holes (with a smaller spacing) are visible underneath.
Imo "Brühl" here is a name, possibly of (one of) the wearers.
It would be interesting to see the inside where the liner meets the leather of the skull, to see if the height has been reduced, e.g. with a picture of the inside of the Ohrenleder.
Regards,
Lars
Welcome!
Agree with comments above. An M95 helmet converted to M15, the clearest indication are the grommets that are still brass, (hard to replace for very little gain) while the rest is field grey. When the war started brass became scarce very quickly in Germany (as did aluminium & nickel), and they were replaced by iron / steel.
The visors and the "Ohrenleder" (the bell-shaped leather pieces sewn to the sides) seem to have been resewn, the old holes (with a smaller spacing) are visible underneath.
Imo "Brühl" here is a name, possibly of (one of) the wearers.
It would be interesting to see the inside where the liner meets the leather of the skull, to see if the height has been reduced, e.g. with a picture of the inside of the Ohrenleder.
Regards,
Lars
Thanks for all the response and information. What you have suggested makes perfect since and is in line with what I was thinking. That it was an M95 that was modified when the brass shortage hit Germany. The brass grommets and tin rims and spike would support that theory. I added pictures of the lining and stitching.
Attachments
,indeed very nice pickelhaube. As explained above great example of M95 converted to M15 pickelhaube - congrats 
CLOVIS 57
Well-known member
Welcome to the site.
As you have clearly understood, this hull is in fact an old M95 recycled as an M15. This is a common occurrence. Following the AKO of April 1915, the new spiked helmets were fitted with grey steel fittings. The helmet cap was in natural beige basane.
But the old M95s were not destroyed! The hulls were salvaged and refitted with grey iron. In this case, the basane nose cone remained varnished black... as shown here.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
As you have clearly understood, this hull is in fact an old M95 recycled as an M15. This is a common occurrence. Following the AKO of April 1915, the new spiked helmets were fitted with grey steel fittings. The helmet cap was in natural beige basane.
But the old M95s were not destroyed! The hulls were salvaged and refitted with grey iron. In this case, the basane nose cone remained varnished black... as shown here.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)