Germany, Imperial. An M18 Stahlhelm, Refurbished with Postwar Heer Decal

(Stahlhelm M18). An M18 Stahlhelm, constructed of a single sheet of magnetic molybdenum steel coated with multiple layers of apple-green paint, encompassing both wartime and postwar applications. Three rivets are distributed around the outer circumference for the accommodation of the interior fixtures. Protruding lugs flank the sides of the shell for the addition of a brow plate, and feature a hollow interior to facilitate ventilation. A hand-painted Heer emblem has been applied to the left side of the helmet just below the lug, and measures 40 mm (w) x 58 mm (h), possibly indicating use as a postwar studio prop. The rim is fully crimped, providing a smooth edge around the skit. A metal ring circumscribes the interior of the crown, and retains an interwar/Third Reich-period brown leather chinstrap which culminates in eight fingers, each perforated with five ventilation holes and an additional hole for the accommodation of a drawstring which has been lost to time. Two magnetic metal rings descend from the sides of the ring for the inclusion of a chinstrap, which has similarly been removed. Any interior skirt marks have been obscured by multiple layers of paint. The Stahlhelm measures approximately 24 cm (w) x 31.5 cm (x) x 16 cm (h). While the chinstrap and drawstring are missing, and repeated repairs and modifications are evident to the paint and liner, the shelmet demonstrates no notable damage, and this highly storied example remains in a very fine condition.