~ WW1 Imperial German Camo Stahlhelm 1916 ~
This is an amazing example of a totally original WWI German M16 Helmet.
The stamped, sheet steel construction, helmet retains about 75% of its original hand painted camouflage paint. The helmet has both the
dome headed chinstrap retaining rivets, both of the extended ventilation side lugs and all three of the flat-headed liner retaining rivets.
The interior of the helmet has the early all leather pattern, three pad leather liner with leather retaining band missing. Pads are a bit stiff
but are still firmly held in place. The chinstrap is missing.
The shell is marked by hand “304”.
The Stahlhelm was introduced into regular service during the Verdun campaign in early 1916.
The M1916 design had side-mounted horn-like ventilator lugs which were intended to be support for an additional steel brow plate or
Stirnpanzer, which only ever saw limited use by snipers and trench raiding parties, as it was too heavy for general use.
The helmet was not formally introduced until July 1918, when German Army Order II, No 91 366, signed by General Erich Ludendorff on 7
July 1918, outlined official standards for helmet camouflage. The order stipulated that helmets should be painted in several colours,
separated by a finger-wide black line. The colours should be relevant to the season, such as using green, brown and ochre in summer.
This helmet is one-of-a-kind there will never be one exactly like it making it a true collectors piece that will do nothing but appreciate in
value in the coming years. This is a rare opportunity to own a genuine WWI German Helmet with original camouflage paint and decals.
~ Dimensions ~
The helmet measures 23cm (9 inches) side to side and 29.5cm (11 ½ inches) front to back (or rim to rim).
It has an inner circumference of 55cm (21 ½ inches).
It weighs 1.26Kg.
~ Condition ~
The helmet is in decent war artefact condition with general wear.
There is a dent to the top of the helmet and a small split to the metal. There is also a small split to one side.
Please refer to images for more details.
#8011 RMFEO
