Prussian Ersatz "Cloth covered" Pickelhaube - circa 1914

Prussian Reserve 20th Infantry (Infantry Regiment Graf Trauenzien von Wittenberg - 3rd Brandenburg) Enlisted Man- Cloth covered Ersarz circa 1914. From an old collection in the US midwest. Tan/Green cloth covered fiber helmet body with subdued brass trim. Helmet body has fine form. Exterior cloth in good shape with some edge tears and discoloration. The helmet was repaired (restored) by the owner and has a sewn repair. No extra holes in the helmet body.

The frontplate is the subdued Prussian Line Regiments eagle with a reserve cross attached to the front. Frontplate held by the two original leather wedges. The eagle fits securely to the helmet shell. Enlisted style spike and base that is not removable. Round base with split brad retainers. Standard brass backspine. The interior has a thick black leather EM style lining. Black ink marking inside right side of back visor "I R 20" and "57" for size. Original leather chinstrap or cockades. This is the early style of Ersatz helmet used in the Eastern Campaign. Fine example of a wartime felt ersatz helmet.