Original Imperial German WWI M16 “KIA” Shrapnel-Damaged Helmet Shell - Marked Q.66
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Original Item: One-of-a-kind. This is a very interesting example of a World War One helmet which went through a heavy amount of trauma from shrapnel damage. The helmet has a very heavy hole at the front, and a large hole in the dome which appears to be pointed outward. The helmet is missing both the liner and chinstrap, and someone has drilled three holes along the rim, likely for use as a lampshade or as a piece of trench art.
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 short version without a step for the larger size 66 shell. This would ensure proper installation of a Stirnpanzer brow plate regardless of shell size.
There is heavy loss of paint at the impact zones for the shrapnel. The paint correctly singes at the damage points.
The shell is stamped Q 66 indicating that Quist in Esslingen, Germany manufactured it. Size 66 is a nice large size that can accommodate liners from 58cm to 60cm or US 7 1/4 to 7 1/2. There is a rolling mill marking, R254, for steel produced at Stahlwerk Röchling in Volkingen.
There is a name scribbled on the interior with marker, Joe Litton. We are unsure who this is.
An interesting shrapnel-damaged helmet, ready for display.
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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