Rare Imperial German Hesse Other Ranks Pickelhaube with Regimental Markings for Infantry Regiment Nr 115 and Reserve Infantry Regiment Nr 116, fine example of the earlier 1871 model pickelhaube, being a taller leather bodied helmet to the later 1897 model normally associated with WW1. This helmet has its brass other ranks helmet plate for the state of Hesse, original leather chinstrap and correct ribbon non serrated edge type Hesse state cockade and standard reichs pattern cockade. Helmet with brass front trim, rear spine and cruciform spike base with plain domed rivets and special pattern short fluted removable spike only found on Hesse helmets. The interior of the helmet has the original leather liner system which remains in generally good condition. The rear peak has clear black ink regimental stampings for ‘J.R.115’ with date 1894 and also the other side a ink stamping ‘R.J.R. 116’, the six is not clear. Interestingly the shell has marks where holes have been filled in where the regimental ‘1621’ honour scroll of Infanterie Regiment Nr 115 was once present, but removed when re-issued to the 116th regiment who wore no additional scroll. Overall this is an excellent example of a very desirable Imperial German helmet. It is not uncommon to find helmets from the state of Hesse to be re-issued and fittings changed to suit the various regiments of the state. Although not a principality in the Imperial German set up, the state of Hesse is very small compared to the other main states of Imperial Germany and as such items from their units are very hard to find and desirable amongst collectors.