Ersatz Preußen Infantry Steel
 
Ersatz Preußen Infantry Stahlblech (steel) issued Pickelhaube.
The Stahlblech Ersatz-Helme differs from the Eisenblech (tin plate) Pickelhaube as the helmet is pressed from one sheet of steel. Front and rear visors are part of the pressing and are not separate pieces. As these helmets were structurally quite strong, there was no need for the reinforcing front visor trim or rear spine. In lieu of the front visor trim, this example has the typical beaded edge on the front visor. The helmet has been painted an olive-green and the brass fittings appear to have been chemically darkened. The liner is similar to a standard leather Pickelhaube, but attached to the shell with split brads.
 
A view of the chemically darkened Preußen line Infantry Wappen (front plate). The previous collector who owned it had tried (without success thankfully) to "clean" the brass eagle but only managed to lighten it slightly after much effort.
A rear view of this Ersatz Pickelhaube. Note that there is no rear spine fitted to the shell.
A view of the side profile.
The liner is similar to a standard leather Pickelhaube, but attached to the shell with split brads.
 
These Ersatz Stahlblech (steel) issued Pickelhaube often show circular patterns which resemble machining marks made by being turned on a lathe. However, this is most likely machining marks on the dies which were used to press the shells from a flat piece of steel.
 
This example has shrapnel damage to the spike. The bottom of the spike has been penetrated, while the upper spike has been struck. Amazingly, the shrapnel is still in place, imbedded into the brass.
 
Two Reservists wearing Ersatz steel Pickelhaube. The tunics they are wearing are very unusual, being six buttons, void of any shoulder straps, and appear to be dark blue/black (?) in color. This pattern of tunic is quite often seen in Flieger unit ground crew photos.