Germany, Imperial. A Model 1916 Camouflage Steel Helmet, by Eisenhüttenwerke Thale

(Stahlhelm M1916 in Mimikri-Tarnanstrich). A Heer Model 1916 Stahlhelm (steel helmet), constructed of a magnetic molybdenum steel shell. The exterior is painted in  wartime original camouflage, with a mottle consisting of equal patches of dark green, medium brown, and olive-drab, divided by black borders into irregular shapes. It is flanked by dual protruding lugs featuring hollow channels to facilitate ventilation. Three rivets are distributed around the shell at the mid-way point to accommodate the interior fixtures, while the lower edge is also flanked by dual rivets which retain interior studs formerly anchoring a chinstrap which has been lost to time. The rim of the shell is fully crimped to provide a smooth edge throughout. A magnetic metal ring surrounds the mid-way point of the interior of the shell, with butterfly-style clips extending inward from the exterior rivets visible. Stamped onto the left side of the skirt is a code of “ET64”, indicating manufacture by the noted helmet firm of Eisenhüttenwerke, Thale, with a shell size of “64”. Otherwise unmarked, it measures approximately 24 cm (w) x 30 cm (l) x 15 cm (h). All of the interior fixtures are missing, and minor surface oxidation is visible throughout the interior of the shell, but the exterior retains the vast majority of its stunning original camouflage, and the helmet is a superb display piece in very fine condition.