Germany, Imperial. An M16 Camouflage Stahlhelm, Owner-Attributed Example, by Gebrüder Gnüchtel A.G.

(1. Weltkrieg Stahlhelm M16 in Mimikri-Tarnanstrich). A Heer M16 camouflage Stahlhelm (steel helmet), constructed of a single sheet of magnetic molybdenum steel. The exterior retains the majority of its original wartime camouflage paint scheme, with a mottle consisting of irregular green, light brown, and dark brown splotches, divided by black and white borders. Three rivets are distributed around the centre of the shell for the accommodation of the liner pins, while the lower edge of the skirt is flanked by additional rivets securing the chinstrap posts in position. Two protruding lugs flank the crown for the attachment of a Stirnpanzer (brow armour), with hollow shafts for ventilation. The edge of the skirt is fully crimped for a smooth rim. The interior is surrounded by a blackened leather ring, fixed in position with the shell rivets, which retains a three-panel leather liner, with each component completing in two fingers which are perforated with eyelets for the accommodation of a drawstring. Hooked chinstrap posts flanked the lower edge of the skirt. The left side of the skirt is stamped with a code of “G 62” indicating manufacture by Gebrüder Gnüchtel A.G, Lauter, with a shell size of 62. Notably, the back of the skirt bears a handwritten owner’s rank and name of “FEHR. RABE”, indicating a soldier holding the rank of Fahrer (Driver). The helmet measures approximately 23 cm (w) x 30 cm (l) x 16.5 cm (h). Issues consistent with age and field use are evident, and include scratching and loss of paint to the outer shell, the loss of the chinstrap, and soiling and material fatigue to the leather components consistent with exposure to moist or humid conditions. This untouched early camouflage helmet, produced by a rarely-encountered manufacturer, remains in a very fine condition.