Ersatz Model 1895 Sachsen (Saxon) Filzhelme
 
Ersatz Model 1895 Sachsen (Saxon) Mannschaften (Other Ranks) Filzhelme (felt helmet).

The helmet was manufactured as a Model 1895 with brass/Tombak fittings, but without front visor trim or rear spine. The felt, however, is very thick and stiff, making it quite sturdy. The Sachsen (Saxon) Wappen fits the holes on the front of the helmet, but the black metal spike support plate (which should be inside the helmet) is on the top under the spike. This sort of error would not have occurred at a German Bekleidungsamt (clothing depot).

An inspection of the helmet showed evidence of fading consistent with the plate having been there for many years, so it was left where it is.
A theory exists that when large numbers of captured Pickelhaube were "prepared" in 1918 to be sold as part of the war bond effort in the USA, the black metal spike support plates were often incorrectly placed under the spikes by American workers. Personally, I do not agree, as photographs clearly show complete helmets being shipped to the USA by the trainload. I believe helmets with the disk on top indicates that a soldier disassembled it to get it home, then incorrectly reassembled it.
 
 
A view of the Model 1895 Sachsen Infantry Mannschaften (Other Ranks) front plate. Below the Wappen in an impression in the felt which gives the appearance of a different Wappen being on, but that is an illusion. The grommeted holes will only fit a Saxon Wappen. So the impression is likely just from something leaning on that spot for many years in storage.
 
As the Filzhelme Pickelhaube was constructed from pressed and blocked rabbit felt, it afforded no practical head protection.

The liner is manufactured different to a standard leather Pickelhaube as it is sewn inside the shell. The cotton threads have let loose on the front half of the liner, but it remains intact and in excellent condition. Only one "finger" has lost the end at the hole.

Note that the base plate, normally under the spike base on the inside, is not there, as it is incorrectly placed on the exterior some time in the past.
 
A view of the side profile. This Pickelhaube has an interesting and attractive profile.