Relic Condition WWI German M1916 Helmet
Item #: AA4110
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This is a relic condition Model 1916 German helmet from World War I. This model helmet first appeared on the battlefield in December, 1915 when they were issued to the 1st Assault Battalion for field trials. The trials proved so successful that the German Army Chief of Staff, General Von Falkenhayn authorized the issue of the new helmet. In January, 1916 the first 30,000 were shipped to units on the Verdun front. It is estimated that over 7 million helmets were produced between 1916 and 1918 between 13 different manufacturers. The helmets were painted a field gray at the factory. The paint was a low gloss variety, but through repeated handling and practices of "polishing" the helmet for inspections, the sun tended to produce a glare on the helmet. This created the need to camouflage the helmet so as not to silhouette the soldier. This Model 1916 helmet is no longer equipped with a leather band or liner. It is missing all three split pins to retain the liner. The chin strap and one chin strap connecting link is missing. The factory stamps on the left side rim near the chin strap lug are no longer visible due to the rust on the interior of the helmet. The dome stamp is no longer visible, again due to the rusted condition of the interior of the helmet. This one retains virtually none of the original paint on the outside of the helmet, it has the same rusty appearance as the interior. While it is rusted inside and out, the shell still has very good integrity. I don't think this one was excavated, but simply sat outside for a long period of time. If you collect WWI memorabilia here's an opportunity to own an honest, combat used iconic German helmet from that global conflict.
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