Original Imperial German Green Forest Splotch Camouflage-Painted M16 Stahlhelm Helmet Shell with M17 Liner Band - Marked “Bell” L64
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Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is a lovely example of a German WWI M1916 Stahlhelm applied with a gorgeous “Splotch” camouflage pattern of several shades of green. The helmet is missing its liner and chinstrap, but was manufactured by one of the rarer makers, whose helmets are easily recognizable by their rounded ventilation lugs.
The helmet still has both the dome headed chinstrap retaining rivets, which hold the interior pickelhaube style chin strap lugs in place. It also retains both of the extended ventilation side lugs, which are the correct longer type with a small step for the small size 64 shell. This would ensure proper installation of a Stirnpanzer brow plate regardless of shell size. These lugs have rounded ends, which are only noted on helmets manufactured by one specific manufacturer.
Above the left ear interior of the apron of the shell has a faintly stamped manufacturer's code and size “Bell” L. 64, also called the rattle logo, which indicates manufacture by R. Lindenberg A.G. of Remscheid-Hasten, who produced shells in only size 64 during WWI. Due to the paint on the shell it was not possible to get a clear picture, but the marking is definitely there. Size 64 is a medium size shell, which can accommodate size 56-67 liners. We could not find a rolling mill stamp which is likely due to the heavy oxidation on the exterior.
The original M1917 metal liner band is intact with two of the three liner pins attached. There is also a faint 64 stenciled on the back rim of the helmet, denoting that it went through an arsenal refurbishment during the war, and was reissued. Rare to see.
This is a lovely example of a scarce “Splotch” pattern helmet, ready for further research and display.
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