The interesting thing about this helmet is the company number on the BACK.
Used only by combat troops in the line.
I've had this thing for over 20 years.
Hard not to discount it. Only read that once in a WWI history book and never saw any period photos of the skulls on any helmets on any German troops till after the war.
So you think that your helmet is a WWI period skull and bones helm? Can we see the inside?
I once read in a book at the school library about WWI stormtroops being seen attacking the allied line with skulls and bones on the front of their helmets but since then never saw another reference to that and the idea is un supported in my experience with collecting. I think the author was confused, maybe with the 20's? I don't recall the book's name.
W.
William
No, dont buy it. Maybe some of those 'Funky' nations did it. Iam allways slammed about some MGSs gunners had a badge on their lid, people,s reason: because it would be an easy target (on the left side!)
Yet Iam supposed to believe some German Stormtroop squads attacked with a big white skull on their helmets saying "look at me"! "shoot me through the noggin".
The only explanation I got was maybe some Assault Flamethrower squads had it, but in Thomas Victor,s book there,s not one period photo showing a flamethrower painted skull helmet. Not even Garde Pioneer units.
No disrespect meant to more knowledgeable Gents than I.
Hello Robin
Is that an Austrian lid, may we see the liner?
Yes ............ Austrian.
When I found it, there was no chinstrap so I put on a replacement. Not easy to find an Austrian one.
The liner has a metal band (M16 style) and the usual three pads. Wait for it .......... the pads are made from a tartan material (!!!!) stuffed with horsehair.
I have no idea if this is a WW1 period piece, or a Freikorps item.
The number on the back suggests front line use.
I have never seen another skull helmet with a number on the back.
Many years ago, I showed it to Dr. Baer and he suggested it could be from Brunswick Infantry Regiment 92. If so, it must have been unofficial, at best.
I know that several units painted their insignia on helmets when at the front. The British did the same thing.
There is a new Skull and bones helmet on ebay. I don't know if it's German painted but it's the only one I've seen other then period photos that is convincing.
I would guess it's a good one. At least the bones seem to have been painted in the period.
Regarding the ref. to Tank crews it does,nt follow the early 'smiling skull' of Abteilung 1 or the later 18 rushed paint job with 'sad eye,s'. The only Tank Abteilung to use it during wartime. One of their Tanks (506) after being repaired after the Battle of St. Quentin had to remove the skull before being issued to Abteilung 3 thereafter named Mephisto (Queensland Museum). I had a picture of the men of Abteilung 1 being a 'Tank Nut'. Those that are wearing stahlhelms are plain painted, maybe other photos exist? Love to see them.
Personally I am unconvinced about Flamethrower squads. They had plain helmets too imo.
Allright Gents
Ebay. Who was the one after seeing this post went and got the paint pot out?
Come on, you cant hide forever. That paint wont come off the living room carpet you know!
Allright Gents
Ebay. Who was the one after seeing this post went and got the paint pot out?
Come on, you cant hide forever. That paint wont come off the living room carpet you know!
Eric
You talking aout the other on up on ebay? It showed up a few days after the first one came on. It does not look convincing.
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