HELP! Original WWII German M1916 / M1917 Steel Helmet

FOKKERJ · 27 April 2008, 07:40 AM

QUOTE"Original WWII German M1916 / M1917 Steel Helmet

By at 2008-04-27

By at 2008-04-27

This is the transitional M1916 / M1917 model helmet. It is does not have a liner or chin strap. It is marked on the side "O" with a line under it and "66" On the top inside it is stamped "R 378" I am not sure how you figure the size, but is is about 26.5" around the outside where the liner fastens in."END QUOTE

What is the difference between a helmet of The Great War and WWII?
Which is this?

Thanks in advance, Jay

crankcase · 27 April 2008, 10:31 AM

...this is definitely Great War style. I have one like it. The "forehead" above the visor is higher than the Wehrmacht helmets and the sloping bit around the side and back (to protect the neck) is considerably wider than the WW2 version. the give away hint would be the two nobs at the temples which i presume allow a steel plate to be fixed to protect the front of the head from shrapnel.
if you were to put the ww1 and ww2 versions side by side, you would see the differences very starkly. there are excellent sites (via google) with more detailed info. the hungarians made a WW1 copy and used it into the 1920's.
marc

FOKKERJ · 27 April 2008, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crankcase

...this is definitely Great War style. I have one like it. The "forehead" above the visor is higher than the Wehrmacht helmets and the sloping bit around the side and back (to protect the neck) is considerably wider than the WW2 version. the give away hint would be the two nobs at the temples which i presume allow a steel plate to be fixed to protect the front of the head from shrapnel.
if you were to put the ww1 and ww2 versions side by side, you would see the differences very starkly. there are excellent sites (via google) with more detailed info. the hungarians made a WW1 copy and used it into the 1920's.
marc

Hi Marc,

Thank you for your reply.
I agree about the two Knobs at the temple area.
I don't know much about these helmets, except this one is in pretty sound shape.

VBR, Jay

jumpinjan · 27 April 2008, 11:28 AM

It's size 66. They made sizes 60-68 (and some 70s) and fits head size 56.6cm - 58cm. I wear a XL motorcycle helmet or US 7 5/8 hat size. I have an M16 size 66 and I don't need any fit pads.
I have never seen a hole drill in the top. I have seen 22 cal. holes shot through the top area and I welded them up.
I have restored many of them.
Jan

FOKKERJ · 27 April 2008, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jumpinjan

It's size 66. They made sizes 60-68 (and some 70s) and fits head size 56.6cm - 58cm. I wear a XL motorcycle helmet or US 7 5/8 hat size. I have an M16 size 66 and I don't need any fit pads.
I have never seen a hole drill in the top. I have seen 22 cal. holes shot through the top area and I welded them up.
I have restored many of them.
Jan

Hi Jan,

Do you concur with Crankcase's assessment?
I do, but don't know any better!

Maybe the hole in the top is from use as a lamp shade. It appears to be fairly centered.

Thanks for all of the information.
I wish that it had the innerds!

VBR, Jay

jumpinjan · 27 April 2008, 05:07 PM

There are many good books out on German helmets (mine is authored by Ludwig Baer), I recommend you acquire one.
The liners & chin strap are available (about $75 for both)
Jan

Jim · 28 April 2008, 11:02 AM

I don't know one way or the other, but there were many countries in addition to Germany that issued this style of helmet over many decades. Spain and Argentina are just two that come to mind. The Chilean army still uses them.
Here is a link to a nice general summary of the Stahlhelm, which is what this design of helmet is called: Stahlhelms

Roadhog · 29 April 2008, 04:23 AM

Dear Fokker, I have a nearly identical restored helmet and it does not have the hole in the dome. I was told by some experts that some Austrian models did. Also after Ireland achieved its independence, it used this type of helmet until 1940. Hope this helps. VR, Scott

BTW the hallow lugs helped equalize pressure during concussions (i.e. artillery barrages or bombings) and was also used to hang the additional ballistic shield from that was used by snipers, forward observers and MG crews. International Military Antiques sells an excellent replica ballistic shield on the internet.

Me-109 Jagdflieger · 29 April 2008, 07:36 AM

I picked up one of these at a gun show for $70 its in great shape the only thing missing is the chin strap

Roadhog · 29 April 2008, 02:26 PM

Dear Me-109, My uncle Bill Sexhaurer brought mine fome from the war in 1919. When he got off the ship in New York, a sailor asked him if that was his only souvenir, to which he replied, "No swabbie, I brought home my ass too!"

Anyway that helmet was the deal of that gun show. BTW, you can pick up chin straps, replica and genuine on eBay from time to time. VR, Scott