WW1 M16 ET64 GERMAN CAMO HELMET

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BACKGROUND: The first "modern" steel helmets were introduced by the French army in early 1915 and were shortly followed by the British army later that year. With plans on the drawing board, experimental helmets in the field, ("Gaede" helmet), and some captured French and British helmets the German army began tests for their own steel helmet at the Kummersdorf Proving Grounds in November, and in the field in December 1915. An acceptable pattern was developed and approved and production began at Eisen-und Hüttenwerke, AG Thale/Harz, in the spring of 1916. These first modern M16 helmets evolved into the M18 helmets by the end of WWI. The M16 and M18 helmets remained in usage throughout the Weimar Reichswehr era and on into the early years of the Third Reich until the development of the smaller, lighter M35 style helmet in June 1935.

DESCRIPTION: This is a fresh family related attic find out of friendly Iowa and has never been at a military show or in a personal collection. A nearly flawless WW1 German camo painted helmet with 95% original paint still intact a full 100+ years later.

As per orders given by the German Imperial Command, German helmets were regulated to have 3 colors painted on them, green, brick red brown and yellow ochre. The same two colors must not touch each other and each hue was to be separated by a black line roughly the width of a man's finger.

In this case we can see mainly dark forest green, mud browns and a nice bright yellow ochre polygon pattern. The inside liner was sadly missing however the original outer metal liner band is still present and based the fact that none of the 3 split pins appear to have been tampered with would be just as it sat at the end of WW1. and has been replaced by an aged replica in a leather outer band and cotton drawstring. I do have a nicely aged chinstrap is chestnut brown as a high end aged reproduction out of Europe if the buyer would like to complete the piece for an additional $25.

The interior left side apron is clearly stamped ET64 indicating manufacture by Eisenhuettenwerke A.G., Thale /Harz.

All in all a very nicely preserved helmet that literally 100+ years old and without an dents, cracks or rust pitting whatsoever. A real survivor of a specimen.

$650

Please call, text or email me if interested.
Tel/Text: 1-438-502-5052
Email Us: helmetsofwar@gmail.com

HELMETS OF WAR INC.
PO Box 555
Champlain, NY 12919-0555

Shipping to Anywhere USA/Canada: $22 with full tracking numbers.
Shipping to Europe: $65 with full tracking numbers.
Shipping to Australia/New Zealand:$75 with full tracking numbers.