Germany, Imperial. A Rare M16 Camouflage Stahlhelm, by Richard Lindenberg

(Heer Stahlhelm M16 in Mimikri-Tarnanstrich). A Heer (Army) M16 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 applied in approximately finger width. Three rivets are distributed around the mid-section of the shell, correctly configured with two flat rivets at the front and one protruding rivet at the back, for the accommodation of the liner pins. Two additional domed rivets flank the lower edge of the skirt for the inclusion of the chinstrap studs. Protruding lugs emanate from the upper sides of the shell for the inclusion of a Stirnpanzer, with hollow channels for ventilation. The edge of the skirt is fully crimped for a smooth rim. A rigid brown leather ring surrounds the interior, fixed in place the liner pins, and features three brown leather panels, all culminating in two fingers which are perforated at the top with eyelets for the addition of a drawstring which has been lost to time. The reverse of each panel retains a cotton pouch closing with a drawstring for the inclusion of padding. Two hooked lugs affixed to the lower edge of the shell anchored a chinstrap which has similarly been lost. Stamped onto the lower left side of the skirt is a maker’s mark in the form of a bell flanked by a letter “L”, indicating manufacture by Richard Lindenberg A.G., Remscheid-Hasten, with a shell size of “64”. The helmet measures approximately 23 cm (w) x 31 cm (l) x 17 cm (h). Minor issues consistent with age and field wear are evident, and includes minor scratching and loss of finish to the paint, and age-appropriate material fatigue to the leather elements, in addition to the noted absent fixtures. This striking helmet, produced by a rarely-encountered manufacturer and retaining vibrant camouflage paint, remains in a better than very fine condition.