Original Item: Only One Available. This is the first example of this we have ever had the pleasure of offering! This is a very rare Interwar Dutch M-1916 B Steel helmet, one of a series of helmets introduced in December 1916 to supplement French-made M15 Adrian style helmets already in use. This version, the "B", was introduced in 1926, and retained the three slots on the perimeter from the M1916 and M1916A, but removed the vent holes. While the various versions of the M1916 later superseded by the Model 1927, they were still kept in stock as the "old model" helmet, and were still serviceable when WWII broke out. They were pressed into service against the German invasion, and unfortunately the Dutch forces were quickly overrun.

Like other conquered territories, their countries military material and technology were then put in the service of NSDAP Germany, including many of their helmets. This particular M1916 helmet was pressed into service with the German Reichsluftschutzbund (RLB) (National Air Raid Protection League). In addition, a large LUFTSCHUTZ decal was applied to the front. The original green paint was kept on the exterior, and it still has the original three tongue liner installed on the inside, which is in very good condition, considering the age. It still has an intact functional chinstrap and padding behind all three panels.

The exterior shows wear consistent with service, and the Luftschutz decal is retained at about 80%, with a great worn look. Despite the drawbacks, these are very rare, and this is only the first example we have ever had, as well as the first example of a Dutch M16B helmet that we have ever had.

These are some of the hardest repurposed foreign helmets reissued by German Forces during WWII that one can obtain. French Adrians, Czech Vz32 Helmets, and Soviet Ssh36 and SSh-40s are much more commonly found.

The history of the Netherlands from 1939 to 1945 covers the events in the Netherlands that took place under the German occupation that started on May 10, 1940 with the Battle of the Netherlands. The Netherlands hoped to stay neutral when World War II broke out in 1939 but this hope was ended when NSDAP Germany invaded in May 1940. On May 15, 1940, one day after the Bombing of Rotterdam the Dutch forces capitulated. Subsequently the Dutch government and the royal family went into exile in London.

The occupying forces were supported by a minority of the Dutch. Active resistance was carried out by a small minority which grew in the course of the four-and-a-half years of the occupation. The Germans deported the majority of the country's Jews to prison camps, with the assistance of the Dutch police and civil service: the Netherlands had one of the highest levels of collaboration with the NSDAPs during the Shoah. 75% of the country’s Jewish population were exterminated, a much higher percentage than countries like Belgium and France.

Most of the south of the country was liberated in the second half of 1944. The rest, especially the west of the country, suffered from the Hunger Winter. On May 5, 1945, the whole country was liberated by the Allied Forces.

Formed in late 1932 the Deutsches Luftschutzverband, (German Air Protection League), was a voluntary organization designed to provide civil air raid protection in large civilian centers. Shortly after AH ascension to power the Deutsches Luftschutzverband was restructured and placed under the supervision of the Reichsluftfahrtministerium, (National Air Ministry), under the control of Hermann Göring. On April 29TH 1933 the Deutsches Luftschutzverband was renamed RLB, Reichs Luftschutz Bund, (National Air Raid Protection League) and was given status as an official national organization tasked with all aspects of civil air raid defense. The RLB remained a voluntary organization with a small cadre of paid, full-time uniformed officials to oversee the organization's functions until June 1935 when obligatory service was introduced. Only the most basic uniform and equipment items were supplied to the cadre personnel, with the rest having to be bought personally by members. On September 26TH 1938 a specific helmet for RLB personnel was introduced that incorporated a raised horizontal "bead" between the visors and crown. These helmets commonly called the "Gladiator" style were supplemented with M35, M40 and M42 helmets that also incorporated a raised horizontal "bead" between the visors and crown. The Luftschutz also utilized a variety of captured helmets.

The Dutch M1916 helmet, which is often referred to as the “M16A”, was produced in two different variations; the first model from 1916 to 1917 and the second from 1917-1922. The helmets were manufactured by two firms called Van Heijst and Eskilstuna. These first patterns can be quickly identified by the single vent holes located on each side of the shell on the upper portion.

The “M16B” was manufactured from 1926, this example did not have the ventilation holes. All of these types were reintroduced in the 1930's due to a shortage in helmets during that period, they were repainted and upgraded chinstraps were also fitted.