WW1 Imperial German Army – M1916 CAMOUFLAGED STAHLHELM – AMAZING!

You are bidding on a SUPERB example of a 100% ORIGINAL WW1 Imperial German Army M1916 Camouflaged Combat Helmet!  Captured during the war, this was originally part of the US Army Technical Research Laboratory and Foundry.

The first modern steel helmets were introduced by the French army in early 1915. The German army began tests for their own steel helmet at the Kummersdorf Proving Grounds in November, and in the field in December 1915, experimenting with both captured French and British helmets. An acceptable pattern was developed and approved and production began at Eisen-und Hüttenwerke, AG Thale/Harz, in the spring of 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 shell came in different sizes, from 60 to 68, with some size 70s reported. Helmet weight varied from 0.98 kg to 1.4 kg, depending on shell size. The suspension, or liner, consisted of a headband with three segmented leather pouches, each holding padding materials, and leather or fabric cords could be adjusted to provide a comfortable fit. The one-piece leather chin strap was attached to the shell by M1891 chinstrap lugs, the same kind used in the Pickelhaube helmet.

But the helmet was not without its flaws. The ventilator horns often let cold air in during the winter, requiring the wearer to block the vents with mud or fabric. The large, flared skirt tended to make it difficult for soldiers to hear, distorting surrounding sounds and creating an echo when the wearer spoke.

Originally painted Feldgrau (field grey), the Stahlhelm was often camouflaged by troops in the field using mud, foliage, cloth covers, and paint. Official issue cloth covers in white and grey appeared in late 1916 and early 1917. Camouflage paint 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 colors, separated by a finger-wide black line. The colors should be relevant to the season, such as using green, brown and ochre in summer.

After the effectiveness of the M1916 design was validated during the 1916 campaigns, incremental improvements were subsequently made. The M1917 version saw improvements to the liner, but was otherwise identical to the original design.

 Made of stamped steel, this M1916 Combat Helmet is in SUPERB used condition!  Acquired from another collector’s estate, this was originally part of the US Army Technical Research Laboratory and Foundry (as with some of the other helmets I have listed).  I suspect it was captured by US Army during the war, and brought back simply for intelligence reasons.  Some marks and wear throughout, but still retains 90% of the original camouflage paint and finish!  Paints consists of Tan, Brown, Green, and Black.  Markings are legible, indicating “E.T.” for the maker (Eisenhuettenwerke Thale A.G., Thale /Harz).  It is marked as a size “64“.  

Liner is still present, and is a bit fragile due to the age, with some wear and marks.  Chin strap is present, but it also fragile, with some breaks.  A completely untouched wartime example, it would a PERFECT item for any collection or display!

Please email me if you need additional photos or information.

——————- PAYMENT —————– 

Payment should be made within 7 business days at the end of the auction unless buyer contacts me for other arrangements. I accept all forms of payment.

 ——————- SHIPPING —————– 

My goal is to ship within 7 days from auction end. However, depending on circumstances, it may take up to an additional 1 week from receipt of confirmed payment. If you need it shipped sooner, please let me know and I will do our best to accommodate.

——————- TERMS OF SALE —————– 

Most of my items are vintage, and as such are AS-IS, so you must therefore expect a degree of wear due to age and/or usage. I will describe each auction to the best of my knowledge and take as many photos necessary to ensure you are pleased upon receiving your item. All sales are final, so please make sure your questions are answered to your satisfaction before you purchase.

——————- ABOUT ME —————– 

Although my passion is the Me109, I do offer many other German Aircraft (Fw190, Me262, etc.), as well as USAF and Japanese items. Occasionally I do offer many non-vintage items such as prints and art relating to the time period. As a private collector myself, I am constantly on the lookout for historical memorabilia, authentic photographs, artwork or anything unique relating to military aircraft.

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