Original German WWI M18 Stahlhelm Helmet Shell – Collector Modified Post War with Genuine SS Decal & Ear Cut Out Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very interesting example of an original WWI German M18 Helmet shell, which was collector modified after being brought home, most likely after WWII. It looks like the exterior paint was stripped, as well as the interior paint below the liner area. The sides of the helmet were changed to look like a rare M18 “cut out” helmet, which were originally made to accommodate headphones. There is however no maker mark, and the rolled edge in those cut out areas is not nearly as neat as the rest of the helmet. The edge is also flared out more than it should be, so it definitely looks to have been modified to produce a nice “collector’s” helmet.

After the modifications, the exterior and bottom of the interior were painted black in “field repaint” style, and then had a painted tri-color added on the left side, along with a Genuine surplus SS decal being added on the right side. These decals were relatively common on the market during the immediate post war years, as stocks of original decals were discovered during the occupation era. Condition of the shell is very good, showing service wear and some oxidation, though we do not know if is original period, added by the collector, or occurred since. Definitely an interesting piece, meant to look like a WWII SS Reissue of an extremely rare helmet type.

Due to the modification of the shell, the size and maker markings are no longer visible. However measuring around the liner attachment points gives a measurement of 65cm, indicating a size of 64cm. This is a medium size that can accommodate liners from 56cm to 58cm or US 7 to 7 1/8. Unfortunately due to the large amount of paint on the helmet shell, we cannot see any trace of the rolling mill stamping.

As this helmet is the later M18 version, it does not have any liner rivets or lugs attached to the shell. This later pattern used a chin strap attached directly to the liner band, greatly improving the chin strap system. It also retains both of the extended ventilation side lugs, which are the correct long version with a step for the smaller size 64 shell. This would ensure proper installation of a Stirnpanzer brow plate regardless of shell size.

This lovely collector modified M18 helmet shell will make an eye catching addition to any Great War collection, at a fraction of the cost of an original in this configuration. Ready to display!

History of the M16 Helmet

The Stahlhelm was introduced into regular service during the Verdun campaign in early 1916.

The 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.

The 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.

The 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:

“… 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.”

But 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.

Originally 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.

After the effectiveness of the M1916 design was validated during the 1916 campaigns, incremental improvements were subsequently made.