Austria, Empire. A First World War M16 Helmet

(Stahlhelm). A magnetic, steel helmet, exterior painted a sand colour, with a rolled edge, both lugs with air vent holes intact and held in place via their original washers on the inside of the helmet, the three pins holding the steel ring frame inside are also intact, the interior presents a steel ring frame held firmly in place by the exterior pins with fold back tabs, the steel band holds three pads with fold upward within the dome of the helmet and are backed each by a cushion, the pads are located so that one is at the forehead and one against each side of the head, each tab contains a pocket that includes a small mattress filled with horsehair, the leather strings running through the tab holes have been lost, the helmet is also missing the chinstrap, it measures 25 cm (w) x 30.1 cm (l) x 18 cm (h), exhibits scattered paint loss and contact marks, along with surface rust, and in very fine condition.

Footnote: See Floyd R. Tubbs, Stahlhelm: Evolution of the German Steel Helmet (1971), 33-35.