WW1 German Inf. helmet

[Robert P.]

I think I can see a '4' to the right of the '6'. Does anyone else see this? Size 64?

Robert

[darryl-P]

Hi Robert,

Yes, this is correct...you can see the L and a number 64. The number is the size (circumference) of the shell and the "Bell-L" logo is the name of the manufacturer. The logo is actually a small bell-shaped icon followed by the letter L. Here is the same logo and size on another helmet to hopefully clarify what I mean.

[Robert P.]

Outstanding. Thank you. I'm learning.

BTW, that's a nice minty helmet!

Robert

[darryl-P]

Robert,

You're very welcome. In answer to your other question; the way you can always tell a Bell-L helmet shell from the outside is to examine the ventilation lugs (by the way, these lugs were primarily used as anchors for the sniper's shield). Other manufacturer's lugs were generally squared at the edges whereas the lugs on a Bell-L are always bullet-shaped...very rounded at the edges.

Again, here is a pic to illustrate my point...

[Chip M]

Robert,

Darryl is correct about the attributes of the Bell-L helmets. I have three 1.Garde Division helmets and they are all Bell-L's. I think the division was initially issued with helmets from this manufacturer, as nearly every original one that I have seen (those that I know came out of the woodwork) have been Bell-L's. I'm not sure how rare they are, but certainly they are one of the less commonly seen makers.

Chip