Germany, Imperial. A Camouflage M17 Stahlhelm Shell, by F.W. Quist

(Heer Stahlhelm M17). A Heer (Army) 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 brown and dark green patches divided by black borders. Three eyelets are distributed around the outer circumference, retaining two of three liner pins, for the accommodation of interior fixtures which have been lost to time. Two additional domed rivets set into the lower edge of the skirt retain chinstrap loops. The crown is flanked by protruding lugs for the addition of a Stirnpanzer, with each log also featuring a hollow channel to facilitate ventilation. The rim is fully crimped, providing a smooth edge around the skirt. Stamped onto the left side of the skirt is a code of “Q66”, indicating manufacture by F.W. Quist, Esslingen, with shell size of 66. Otherwise unmarked, the helmet measures approximately 24 cm (w) x 30.5 cm (l) x 16.5 cm (h). In addition to the missing interior fixtures, the shell demonstrates some age-appropriate scratching and wear to the paint, while the loss of the interior ring renders differentiation between an M16 and M17 variant impossible. A superb display piece in very fine condition.