Original Imperial German WWI M16 Stahlhelm Helmet Shell with Panel Camouflage Paint & M17 Liner Band - Marked TJ66

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a nice example of a totally original WWI German M16 Helmet, with a very nice "no border-paneled" camouflage paint scheme. This was a very popular type of camouflage used on both sides of WWI, but this variation did without the black separating lines, which gives it a lovely streamlined look. The stamped, sheet steel construction helmet retains about 80% 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. It also retains both of the extended ventilation side lugs, which are the correct short version without a step for the larger size 66 shell. This would ensure proper installation of a Stirnpanzer brow plate regardless of shell size.

Two of the three liner split pins are present, and still retain some of the camouflage paint. The original liner is gone, but the M1917 liner band is retained, and is even stamped with a 66 for the size.

The shell is stamped TJ66 indicating that C. Thiel & Söhne in the northern port city of Lübeck manufactured it. This company made shells in sizes 66 and 68 for the war effort. It also has dome stamp R1690 on the top inside of the shell. Size 66 is a nice large size that can accommodate liners from 58cm to 60cm or US 7 1/4 to 7 1/2.

There are remnants of a label or tape which was on the helmet at one point, perhaps with information about its wearer or captor.

This is a gorgeous WWI camouflage helmet. A great example, ready for further research and display!