Germany, Imperial. An M17 Stahlhelm, by Eisenhütte Silesia

(Heer Stahlhelm M17). A well-preserved Imperial Army M17 Stahlhelm (steel helmet), constructed of a single sheet of magnetic molybdenum steel and retaining the majority of its original apple-green paint. Three rivets are distributed around the top of outer circumference, correctly configured with flat caps at the front and with a protruding rivet at the back, for the accommodation of the liner pins. Two additional low-set rivets flanking the sides permit the addition of chinstrap lugs. Dual protruding lugs also emanate from the upper crown for the inclusion of a Stirnpanzer, with hollow channels to facilitate ventilation. The edge of the skirt is fully crimped for a smooth rim. Two studs are affixed to the lower sides of the skirt for the inclusion of a chinstrap which has been lost to time. The crown is surrounded by a magnetic metal rig, securely fixed in place with the liner pins, which retains three leather panels which are topped by loops for the accommodation of a drawstring, which is similarly absent. All three panels retain padded backers for maximum comfort during wear. Stamped onto the lower left side of the skirt is a code of “SI68”, indicating manufacture by Eisenhütte Silesia, with a shell size of 68, while an illegible stamped heat code is also visible on the skirt. Notably, a hand-painted black shape of unknown purpose is also visible over and around the heat code. The helmet measures approximately 23.5 cm (w) x 31.5 cm (l) x 16 cm (h). Some issues consistent with age and field wear are visible, and include minor scratching and loss of paint to the shell, with some material fatigue to the liner elements, in addition to the noted missing fixtures. This untouched M17 helmet remains in a better than very fine condition.