Original Item: One-of-a-kind. This is a fine example of totally original Model M16 M-1916 German WWI large size 66 helmet shell. The shell is stamped ET66 indicating that Eisenhuttenwerk AG, Thale Harz , Germany manufactured it. Size 68 is a large size that can accommodate liners from 59cm to 61cm or US 7 3/8 to 7 5/8. Size 68 shells are very hard to find and are therefore more valuable to a collector.

This helmet has the following notable features-

• Maker’s code with marking ET68 stamped on the interior of the shell found over the wearer’s left ear!
• Correct original air ventilation lugs.
• Correct M1891 chinstrap post mounts.
• There should also be a dome stamp (under the paint). On the inside dome of every WWI German helmet you will find a heating lot code, these codes were used by the steel factories during production. These steel mills were called rolling mills.
• Traditional WW1 style three-pad leather liner.
• A chinstrap mounted to the liner.

Notable history the WWI M16 Refurbished hand Painted Camouflage Helmet include:

• In 1916 the German Army first introduced what would be the modern military metal helmet.
• Always innovative, the Germans also were the first to paint a camo scheme on the helmet to break up the round smooth shiny surface that exposed the wearer during the day.
• The ‘Block’ came in a rigid or fluid line with the blocks filled with greens or Browns
• What is most interesting is that while there was some regulation, individual soldiers interpreted it differently, which gives a wide variation of pattern.
• This helmet represents one of those first painted helmets with a unique block pattern.

What does refurbished mean? While the shell is 100% genuine WWII manufacture, we have tasked, perhaps the very best German Helmet restorer in the USA, to customize this helmet. Every detail is hand done, with the finest materials including a hand painted shell with high quality authentic decal. Please know that the paint, decal, liner and chinstrap, while they look totally original are all new and the helmet has been refurbished to look as if it was picked up off the battle field by a USGI and brought home as a war trophy.

This helmet is one-of-a-kind there will never be one exactly like it making it a true collectors piece that will do nothing but appreciate in value in the coming years. This is a rare opportunity to own a genuine WWII German Helmet for a fraction of the cost of one with original camouflage paint and decals.