Austria-Hungary, Empire. An Austro-Hungarian Army M17 Stahlhelm

(Österreichischer Stahlhelm M17). A very well-preserved Austro-Hungarian M17 Stahlhelm (steel helmet), constructed of magnetic sheet metal and retaining most of its original “Isonzo braun” paint. The helmet is flanked on each side by protruding integral ventilation shafts, while five rivets are distributed across the exterior circumference, securing the interior features in place. The edge of the shell is crimped, providing a smooth edge. Directly riveted to the interior of the shell walls are magnetic metal loops, retaining an intact two-piece webbed canvas chinstrap, fitted with six magnetic metal eyelets on the right strap meeting a functional magnetic metal button on the left strap for an adjustable fit. Also affixed to the interior circumference of the shell is a magnetic metal ring with a three-piece brown leather liner. Each flap of the liner completes with two fingers, perforated at the top with magnetic metal eyelets. The reverse of the liner flaps also retain stuffed padding, each with a cotton drawstring intended to loop through the liner eyelets. The helmet bears a number of marks, including a raised shell size of “66” on the ring, a stamped manufacture date of “17”, a stamped letter “B” indicating the Bleckmann rolling mill, an illegible handwritten owner’s name on the left liner flap, and a stamp of “M05 1918” on the reverse of the frontal liner flap. The configuration of the Stahlhelm indicates that it was possibly reissued to Czechoslovakian forces post-war. Issues consistent with age and use are evident, and include patches of oxidation to the reverse and lower left side of the outer shell, the forehead of the inner shell, some material fatigue and soiling of the liner (with partial detachment of the right pad), and oxidation to the metal eyelets. It is in an overall near extremely fine condition.