March 15-17, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/17/2022
Fine example of a World War I Imperial German camouflage helmet. The helmet is marked with a clear "T" stamp that appears to be followed by a very faint "J" which would indicate manufacture by Thiel & Sohne-Lubeckis and is also named to several soldiers on the back of the interior rim. One name appears to be "Krieger" while the other is mostly illegible. The initials "I.K." are marked in ink on the leather retaining band. The helmet is beautifully painted and features shades of green, red-brown, and yellow in a patch pattern with the colors being separated by pattern thin black stripes which are thinner than Ludendorff's "finger wide" specifications. The shell retains both of the extended ventilation lugs which are the correct short version for the M16 helmet. The helmet also retains both of the domed chinstrap retaining rivets which hold the interior chin strap lugs in place. Only 2 of the liner split pins remain in place including the correct thicker rear pin. The pin on the front right is missing. The pins retain their original camouflage paint which matches the paint of the panels they are secured to. The interior of the helmet contains the correct 3-pad all leather liner with leather retaining band which remains intact. 3 of the 6 liner string adjustment tabs are intact, while the other 3 exhibit tears. The chinstrap is present but is worn. CONDITION: The helmet retains most of its original period camouflage. There are scattered areas of paint loss that reveal the original green paint and light areas of surface rust. The camouflage remains attractive but has faded in some areas. The liner remains intact, but the leather is a bit stiff with areas of cracking and creasing. This is a quality example of a desirable German WWI camouflaged helmet. JLD
Item Dimensions: 16" X 16"