Germany, Imperial. An M17 Camouflage Stahlhelm, by Eisenhütte Silesia

(Heer Stahlhelm M17). A Heer M17 Stahlhelm (steel helmet), constructed of a single sheet of magnetic molybdenum steel. The exterior retains its original hand-painted camouflage paint scheme with a mottle consisting of irregular dark brown, light brown, and dark green patches divided by black borders, with the colours notably remaining vibrant. Three rivets are distributed around the outer circumference of the shell, accommodating pins for the inclusion of the interior fixtures. The lower edge of the skirt is flanked by additional rivets fixing the interior chinstrap lugs in position. The crown is flanked by protruding lugs with hollow ventilation channels, also permitting the wear of a Stirnpanzer. A crimped edge throughout the skirt provides a smooth rim around the shell’s entire circumference. A magnetic metal ring surrounds the interior, and retains two of three original brown leather liner panels with reverse padding. The lower edge of the skirt retains two swinging loops for the addition of a chinstrap which has been lost to time. Stamped onto the right side of the skirt is a code of “SI62”, indicating manufacture by Eisenhütte Silesia, Paruschowitz. Hand-painted owner’s initials of “W.R.”  The helmet measures approximately 22.5 cm (w) x 29.5 cm (l) x 16 cm (h). In addition to the missing fixtures, the shell demonstrated some scratching and loss of finish which has resulted in minor surface oxidation. An untouched example of late-war camouflage helmet, it remains in a very fine condition.