Germany, Imperial. A Model 1895 Artillery Enlisted Personnel Pickelhaube

(Preußen Pickelhaube M1895 für Mannschaften der Artillerie). A Prussian-issue Model 1895 Artillery Enlisted personnel Pickelhaube, constructed of a boiled and blackened leather shell. The crown is topped by a circular gilded brass place, secured in place by four rivets, with a ball finial emanating from the centre. A gilded brass spine extends from the back of the plate and descends to the rim. Affixed to the peak is a brass insignia consisting of a Prussian imperial eagle clutching an orb and sceptre, overlaid by a central monogram and banner bearing an inscription of “MIT GOTT FÜR KOENIG UND VATERLAND” (“WITH GOD FOR KING AND FATHERLAND”), measuring 12.5 cm (w) x 8 cm (h). The sides are flanked by brass studs which accommodate a blackened leather chinstrap, itself adjusted with dual buckles. Two downward-sloping blackened leather visors extend from the front and back, offering eye and neck protection respectively, with a brass reinforcement secured to the visor’s rim. A blackened leather liner encompasses the interior, and culminates in nine fingers, each perforated at the tip with an eyelet through which is looped an original drawstring. Unmarked, the Pickelhaube measures approximately 17 cm (w) x 24 cm (l) x 12 cm (h) (exclusive of finial). Issues consistent with age and field wear are evident, and include fatigue to the shell, denting and tarnishing to the brass fixtures replacement of the chinstrap, and some fatigue and oxidation to the interior features. It remains in a very fine condition.