This is a German Model 1916 Transitional helmet from World War II. Any German WWI helmet that was refitted with the new 1931 model liner system is considered to be transitional. These included helmets that were in post war storage as well as those still being used by Germany's post WWI Army. This helmet is the Model 1916, equipped with the 1931 liner system comprised of an aluminum band with a leather liner. The band has the correct stamps, with the left side stamped 62 n.A/55. This represented the shell size of 62 centimeters, new model and a liner size of 55 centimeters for the wearer. The right side stamps are not clearly visible because of the tight fit of the liner. It is pre 1942 however, because the eight digit number is not present. The leather liner is stamped with the number 55, corresponding with the stamp size of 55 on the band. Written in ink on the leather is Stolzenbriel. My German isn't that good, but most likely it's the soldiers name. The huge chinstrap lugs are still with this one, a carry over from the original 1916 design. All the rivets and both vent lugs are present and fit tight to the shell. The leather chin strap is complete and is still pretty pliable. The paint on the shell is two different colors, the original light green showing through the darker shade of green added when the helmet was upgraded. The Heer decal on the left side of the helmet is in very good condition. The Tri color National decal on the right side is missing. near the beginning of World War II an order was published stating that the Tri Color decal was to be removed. This one looks to have been scraped off instead of being painted over. This old war horse is an honest survivor of two world wars and displays great. If you are a WWII collector or just a helmet guy your collection isn't complete without one of these!

Item # AA959

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