Germany, Imperial. A Heer M17 Camouflage Stahlhelm, by J. & H. Kerkmann

(Deutsches Reich 1. Weltkrieg Stahlhelm M1917 in Mimikri-Tarnanstrich). A Heer M17 camouflage Stahlhelm (steel helmet), constructed of a single sheet of magnetic molybdenum steel. The exterior retains the vast majority of a hand-painted wartime original camouflage paint scheme, consisting of irregular patterns of dark green, light brown, and red-brown separated by black borders. Two studs flank the lower edge of the shell to accommodate the chinstrap lugs, while three additional flattened rivets distributed around the outer circumference accommodate the liner pins. The crown is also flanked by protruding lugs, hollow to facilitate ventilation, which allow for the optional addition of a Stirnpanzer (brow plate). The edge of the skirt is fully crimped for a smooth rim. A metal ring surrounds the interior, fixed in position with the liner pins, and retains three brown leather panels which each culminate in two eyelets for the inclusion of a drawstring which has been lost to time. Two of the three panels retain original reverse padding. The side lugs also retain an original brown leather chinstrap which is adjusted with a functional brass buckle. Stamped onto the right side of the skirt is a mark of “K64”, indicating manufacture by J. & H. Kerkmann, Ahlen (Westphalia), with a shell size of 64. The helmet measures approximately 23 cm (w) x 31 cm (l) x 16.5 cm (h). Issues consistent with age and field use are evident, and include scratching and loss of paint throughout the shell resulting in minor surface oxidation, as well as fatigue throughout the leather fixtures. This scarce camouflage helmet, demonstrating Kerkmann’s characteristic flattened rivet heads and sole shell size of 64, remains in a very fine condition.