Austria-Hungary, Empire. An M17 Stahlhelm, with Bleckmann Mill Mark

(Österreichischer Stahlhelm M17). An extremely well-preserved Austro-Hungarian M17 Stahlhelm (steel helmet), constructed of a single sheet of magnetic molybdenum steel which retains the vast majority of its original olive-drab/brown “Isonzo braun” paint. Five domed rivets are distributed around the outer circumference for the accommodation of the interior fixtures, while the crown is also flanked by protruding lugs for the accommodation of a Stirnpanzer, with hollow channels to facilitate ventilation. The edge of the skirt is fully crimped, providing a smooth edge around the rim. A magnetic metal ring surrounds the interior, fixed in place with the shell rivets, for the accommodation of a three-piece liner, with each component constructed of a white leather with intact padded backers, all topped by dual fingers perforated with eyelets through which is looped an original drawstring. The interior is also flanked by dual magnetic metal loops which accommodate a two-piece brown leather chinstrap, adjusted with a functional magnetic metal buckle, indicating a postwar modification for use in the interwar Austrian Republic. Stamped onto the crown is a mark of “B 290”, indicating that the steel originated in the Bleckmann rolling mill, while a black ink mark of “ZP9” has also been applied to the crown for an unknown purpose. The helmet measures approximately 24.5 cm (w) x 30.5 cm (l) x 16.5 cm (h). Minor issues consistent with age and use are evident, and include some scratching to the base metal and moderate material fatigue to the leather of the interior fixtures. This wartime Austrian-made M17 helmet, with chinstrap upgraded for postwar use, remains in a near extremely fine condition.