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WWI German M-16 Helmet -
Stahlhelm is the German word for "steel helmet". The Imperial German Army began to replace the traditional boiled-leather Pickelhaube
with the Stahlhelm during World War I in 1916. The term Stahlhelm refers both to a generic steel helmet, and more specifically to the distinctive German design.
The Stahlhelm, with its distinctive "coal scuttle" shape, was an instantly recognizable icon for military imagery and became a common element of military propaganda on both sides, just like the Pickelhaube before it.
Its name was also used by the Stahlhelm, a paramilitary nationalist organization established at the end of 1918.
the model was known as the M-16.
The item featured here is a German military M-16 helmet. As issued during World War One.
The design of the M-16 helmet consisted of a fairly tall dome with an oversized visor. A skirt provided
protection for the ears and extended into a neckguard. This was a design that proved to be ahead of
its time.
A lugnut is placed to each side of the dome. The main purpose behind this piece was to hold the faceguard
in place. This was intended to provide protection to the face of the soldier. However, in combat, this
feature prooved to be too cuumbersome and was quickly discarded. Additional functionality for the lug
was to provide ventilation, as it was hollowed all the way through. some soldiers also employed the lug
as a means to attach small branches and other items to help provide more camouflage.
The liner of this helmet is missing. The inside retains the original paint. A rivet holds the "D" ring
employed to secure the chin strap. A small portion of the leather chin strap remains in place.
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The modern German helmet saw its birth during World War One. Its design was so advanced
for the time that the German government saw it fit for the same basic design to be re-employed
during World War Two.
The German helmet of World Wat Two has become one of the most recognizable silhouttes of war.
The helmetss of the Third Reich came in a variety of designs. There were approximatelly
9 different types developed. Even the non-military helmets often displayed the
swastika as a means to show support of the Nazi party. The helmet was constructed of a
combination of metal and leather.
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The rim of the helmet was folded. This protected the soldier from shap edges left over from the
manufacturing process.
Most of the helmets had markings stamped on them. These markings provided information such as
serial numbers, manufacturer code, size, etc. A
markings guide has been provided to help
the collector and enthusiast gain a better understanding of their meaning. It is important to
note that not all possibilities of markings are covered in that section.
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