{"product_id":"original-imperial-german-wwi-m16-stahlhelm-helmet-with-named-leather-liner-stamped-bf64","title":"Original Imperial German WWI M16 Stahlhelm Helmet with Named Leather Liner - Stamped BF64","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item. Only One Available. This is a very nice example of an original WWI German M16 Helmet shell, maker-marked \u003cstrong\u003eBF64\u003c\/strong\u003e. The original feldgrau paint is still well retained inside the shell, with about 50% still present on the exterior, with very heavy wear. It does not look to have been repainted at any time. There are some scuffs and minor irregularities in the shell, but no noticeable dents or cracks. The leather liner band is still retained, as are the original three split pins. The white liner pads are retained with heavy wear, and a name inscribed on one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe helmet still has both the dome headed chinstrap retaining rivets, which hold the interior pickelhaube style chin strap lugs in place with both of the metal ends of the chinstrap still in place. It also retains both of the extended ventilation side lugs, which are the correct longer type with a small step for the medium size 64 shell. This would ensure proper installation of a Stirnpanzer brow plate regardless of shell size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe shell is stamped \u003cstrong\u003eB.F.64.\u003c\/strong\u003e indicating that \u003cem\u003eF.C. Bellinger of Fulda\u003c\/em\u003e manufactured it. This company made shells in sizes 62 and 64 for the war effort. Size 64 is a nice medium large size that can accommodate liners from 56cm to 57cm or US 7 to 7 1\/8. The top of the shell has a faint rolling mill mark reading \u003cstrong\u003eR558\u003c\/strong\u003e, for steel produced at \u003cem\u003eStahlwerk Röchling\u003c\/em\u003e in Volkingen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the liner pads has a name written on the tongues, \u003cstrong\u003eSerg. Fleping\u003c\/strong\u003e(?), it is very difficult to read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis helmet, offered in great collectible condition, makes an eye catching addition to any Great War collection. Ready to display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory of the M16 Helmet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Stahlhelm was introduced into regular service during the Verdun campaign in early 1916.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe M1916 design had side-mounted horn-like ventilator lugs which were intended to be support for an additional steel brow plate or Stirnpanzer, which only ever saw limited use by snipers and trench raiding parties, as it was too heavy for general use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe shell came in different sizes, from 60 to 68, with some size 70s reported. The suspension, or liner, consisted of a headband with three segmented leather pouches, each holding padding materials, and leather or fabric cords could be adjusted to provide a comfortable fit. The one-piece leather chinstrap was attached to the shell by M1891 chinstrap lugs, the same kind used in the Pickelhaube helmet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe M1916 design provided excellent protection: Reserve Lieutenant Walter Schulze of 8th Company Reserve Infantry Regiment 76 described his combat introduction to the helmet on the Somme, 29 July 1916:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"... suddenly, with a great clanging thud, I was hit on the forehead and knocked flying onto the floor of the trench... a shrapnel bullet had hit my helmet with great violence, without piercing it, but sufficiently hard to dent it. If I had, as had been usual up until a few days previously, been wearing a cap, then the Regiment would have had one more man killed.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut the helmet was not without its flaws. The ventilator horns often let cold air in during the winter, requiring the wearer to block the vents with mud or fabric. The large, flared skirt tended to make it difficult for soldiers to hear, distorting surrounding sounds and creating an echo when the wearer spoke.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginally painted Feldgrau (field grey), the Stahlhelm was often camouflaged by troops in the field using mud, foliage, cloth covers, and paint. Official issue cloth covers in white and grey appeared in late 1916 and early 1917. Camouflage paint was not formally introduced until July 1918, when German Army Order II, No 91 366, signed by General Erich Ludendorff on 7 July 1918, outlined official standards for helmet camouflage. The order stipulated that helmets should be painted in several colors, separated by a finger-wide black line. The colors should be relevant to the season, such as using green, brown and ocher in summer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter the effectiveness of the M1916 design was validated during the 1916 campaigns, incremental improvements were subsequently made.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45030099320901,"sku":"ONSV2025NMS014","price":795.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/EBAA5EF0-02C3-45A9-8AFC-1100C8E5F551.jpg?v=1779133307","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-imperial-german-wwi-m16-stahlhelm-helmet-with-named-leather-liner-stamped-bf64","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}