Original Imperial German WWI M16 Stahlhelm Helmet Shell with Panel Camouflage Paint & M17 Liner Band by Gebrüder Bing A.G. - Very Rare Maker

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a nice example of a totally original WWI German M16 Helmet, with a very nice panel camouflage paint scheme. This was a very popular type of camouflage used on both sides of WWI. Due to very heavy wear, the stamped, sheet steel construction helmet only retains about 50% of its original hand painted camouflage paint.

The helmet still has both the dome headed chinstrap retaining rivets, which hold the interior pickelhaube style chin strap lugs in place. This example actually retains both of the end pieces of the original chinstrap, rare to see! It also retains both of the extended ventilation side lugs, which are the correct longer type with a small step for the small size 64 shell. This would ensure proper installation of a Stirnpanzer brow plate regardless of shell size.

Above the left ear interior of the apron of the shell has a faintly stamped manufacturer's code and size G.B.N. 64, for the very scarce and sought-after maker Gebrüder Bing A.G. (Nuremberg). Bing only produced size 64 helmets for the war effort, making them one of the most difficult makers to source. The original M1917 metal liner band is intact with all three split liner pins attached. There is a very faint rolling mill mark on the interior crown, reading F.M…, but as we have not had an M16 by Bing before, we aren’t sure who produced the steel. 

This well-worn panel camouflage helmet, offered in very nice collectible condition, makes an eye catching addition to any Great War collection. Ready to display!