*Imperial German, WW1, M1917 Stahlhelm, Original Camouflage Paint, Liner with Cloth Stuffing Pads, Named, Detached Chinstrap*
A scarce original German M1917 steel combat helmet, retaining traces of its regulation 1918 camouflage paint scheme. The shell shows multi-panel camo in brown, green, and ochre, separated by dark dividing lines, now oxidised with surface rust but still clearly visible. Inside is the original M17 three-pad liner, with all pads present though heavily deteriorated. Remarkably, the cloth-filled stuffing pads remain inside two of the liner pockets, tied with their original fabric ties — a rare survival.
The helmet bears period handwritten soldier’s names in ink/pencil to the inner skirt, one reading Hellwig (or Hellvig) and another possibly Schmidt/Schmitz. The chinstrap is present with buckle but completely detached, brittle and fragile.
This is a completely untouched, “as found” example, not restored or tampered with, offering a textbook specimen of a late-war German camouflaged Stahlhelm with authentic field use provenance.
Historical Note:
The Model 1917 Stahlhelm was introduced as an improvement over the earlier M1916, with a modified liner and separate chinstrap lugs. In July 1918, the German High Command ordered all helmets to be painted in camouflage patterns of geometric sections in brown, green, and ochre, separated by dark lines. This scheme was intended to break up the outline of the helmet on the battlefield.
Few original camouflaged helmets survive today, especially with their liners intact. The survival of the liner’s cloth-stuffed pads and handwritten names inside this example adds a personal and highly collectable dimension. Helmets like this would have been worn by front-line infantrymen during the closing months of the First World War.
*Condition*
The helmet remains in untouched, as-found condition, showing clear evidence of age and use. The shell is structurally sound with an overall covering of surface rust and patina, while the original 1918 camouflage scheme survives at around 40–50%, the segmented colours now faded but still discernible. The original M17 three-pad liner is present, though the leather is brittle, cracked and heavily deteriorated; remarkably, the cloth-stuffed pads remain tied in place within the liner pockets in two of the sections. The chinstrap with buckle is included but completely detached and fragile. Inside the skirt are period handwritten names, adding a personal touch of provenance. No clear heat lot stamp can be seen due to corrosion. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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