WWI Prussian Enlisted Man Felt Pickelhaube

World War I “filzhelm”, or felt helmet, developed and issued early in World War I in an attempt to create a version of the standard pickelhaube that was less conspicuous in combat. The helmet is made of thick, stiffened field gray felt. Brass Prussian helmet plate and spike, original to the helmet, were chemically darkened at the time of manufacture to reduce conspicuousness and to make them more compatible with the intent of a helmet that was less visible in the field. Original green leather chin strap is present, as are two cockades which, interestingly, are both cockades of the red/white/black national colors. Leather liner is present and intact, although the leather drawstring for the liner is broken. Overall the helmet is in very clean and very good condition.