Germany, Heer. A Heer M17 Transitional Steel Helmet

(Heer Stahlhelm). Constructed of field grey-painted magnetic metal, this is a well-preserved Heer M17 transitional steel helmet. The helmet is flanked on each side by period original decals, including a German tri-colour shield on the right, measuring 41 mm (h) x 33 mm (w), and a silver Heer-style eagle clutching a mobile swastika on a black background, similarly measuring 41 mm (h) x 33 mm (w). The helmet is also flanked on each side by protruding ventilation holes and rivets, with and additional rivet located at the back. The rim of the helmet is crimped on the inside, forming a smooth edge.

The interior is fully lined with a magnetic metal band secured to the helmet with the aforementioned rivets, which in turn bears a tan-coloured leather liner with eight fingers. Each finger is stamped with five holes, with additional holes at the top through which is looped a drawstring. One of the fingers bears a black ink size stamp of “55”; the helmet is otherwise unmarked. It also features a black leather chinstrap, held in place at both ends by magnetic metal loop and adjusted with a zink buckle. The helmet measures 224 mm (w) x 300 mm (l) x 155 mm (h). There is evidence that the helmet has been repainted, with some loss of that paint subsequently occurring, along with some material fatigue of the leather features. The helmet is in an overall near extremely fine condition.