Imperial 'bell' L64 information

[Rick C]

Here’s another helmet I would like some opinions of. It appears to me that this leather is way too new to be anything but replaced however the shell looks authentic and the metal band / suspension system is still there and (from a non-helmet guy’s view) appears period.

I was told this is an example of a 1916 helmet but I honestly don’t know one year of issuance from another so I’m hoping for as much detail as you folks might share.

Rick C.

[Rick C]

2

[Rick C]

front

[Rick C]

interior - I observe that it’s stamped & from my research here I’m guessing this is an example of a ‘bell’ and “L64” which reflects R. Lindenberg A.G., Remscheid-Hasten. The ‘lugs’ are two tiered which I only mention in that the other WW1 helmet that came with this seems not to have this feature. Again, I don’t know the significance of this and would like to learn if any significance should be attached to it. Also, compared to the other Imperial helmet, the chin cord strap attachment is, I believe of a later variant but, again, I’m guessing.

[Rick C]

stamp

[Rick C]

lug

[Rick C]

I would wonder, if the leather was replaced how this might effect the value of the lid? I’m trying to establish if this is worth keeping (even with the likely replacement of the leather) or if it should be put up for adoption. Any guidance and detail you might share would be very much appreciated.

Thanx in advance, Rick C.

[C. Roelens]

Rick,

You might want to post this WWI helmet in the Imperial headgear forum also. The shell is an original M18, you already know the maker, size 64. The rivets and metal liner band appear to be original to this shell, however; all of the leather on this helmet is reproduction, as well as the drawstring.

C. Roelens

[Rick C]

I'm left word with a moderator to have it moved. Thanx for your comment.

Rick C.

[PlaceOfBayonets]

It's an M18 Shell! Very nice. All leather is a replacement. Looks like the liner band has been out of the helmet to add the leather. I'd say reproduction and not any military issue leather. Hard to say if the liner band was original to the helmet or not but could be. The condition is a match.
It might be the photos but the paint is off. It does look WWI period and at the same time something about it looks off.

Can you post pics in the day light sun?

W.

[PlaceOfBayonets]

The Tiered lugs come in sizes 60 through 64. They are tiered to allow one sie of frontal armror plate to rest on all 6 sizes of helmets. As seen in the photo is a reproduction example of the frontal plate. Rest of the armor is original. FYI.

William

[C. Roelens]

William,

I forgot how nice that armor is you picked up from GWA.

Chuck

[C. Roelens]

Rick,

The shell is an original Bell-L 64. The marking is good, although it doesn't have the rounded air vent lugs as found on most. The liner pins/rivets, with the thicker head appear to be original, as well as the liner band. The liner pins are loose and re bent. This was done when installing that crappy reproduction liner system.

There is something going on with the outside paint. It appears to have been messed with, but don't know what to think without better pictures. Good clear close up pictures of the paint outside in natural light is a must.

If possible, also post good clear pictures of the liner pin prongs on the inside to determine if they're authentic.

Chuck

[Rick C]

Looks to have been scratched and paint reapplied.

Alas, I didn't re-up this year so I can't post photos.

[PlaceOfBayonets]

I think the paint is original war time paint but something has happened to the helmet either by human hand intentionally or by random chance just can't say what zactly.