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    Austrian helmet

    I have an Austrian M16 helmet that I purchased years ago in an antique store. Since I have just gotten my account here I have no idea how to post any pics.

    It is a mustard green/yellow color with a number stamping on top of the crown. It has what looks like a M17 helmet band that has been modified and installed into the helmet. The band appears to have been from a larger helmet and cut so it would fit into this helmet. The liner has 3 pads stuffed with what looks like hair or fine straw. Chinstrap is long gone. The liner rivets are round with flat faces. The rear most one being larger than the two front rivets.


    I also have a second helmet a M16 which appears to be German. It has a number stamped inside the helmet in the dome. It has the remains of a M17 liner band that was riveted in place using aluminum rivets and steel washers. The chin strap lugs are missing as well and the remnants of a chinstrap mount similar to the WWII style chinstrap mounts was riveted in place once again using aluminum rivets and steel washers. All that is left is some rusted steel under the rivets where the chinstraps were.

    The shell was originally a dark slate grey that was later painted yellow. A red stripe was painted around the helmet below the lug and above the skirt. This appears to have been poorly overpainted again in a pale light green. Visible are traces of decals on both sides but they are thinly painted over. The tricolor is mostly gone and looks as tho it was painted on. The Wehrmactadler looks crinkled up as tho something had attacked it's surface. Some traces of a silver are showing through where the paint is the thinnest on the decal. I am not sure about the authenticity of the decals but the paint job was interesting. And as a free gift who can complain.

    What were the numbers on the helmets used for? They almost look like ID numbers for individual soldiers. Also what was the purpose of the yellow/red/green paint on the second helmet or is this some paintjob applied by a kid playing in dads garage?

    #2
    Hello SVT. These do sound like they have been messed with. I can tell you that the dome stamps are hardening lot #s.

    The reason for the different rivet head in the rear is to keep the Stirnpanzer brow armor strap from riding up.

    Comment


      #3
      Hi Svt,

      check out the `technical `forum i think there is a post there detailing how to post pictures. as this would help to give an opinion on your helmets.
      #Ashley

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        #4
        Hi SVT,

        If you want, I can post for you, just ask my email adress via PM.
        Otto

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