Original Item: Only One Available. This is a nice Genuine WWI Austro-Hungarian Model 1917 helmet shell, which was restored post war and repainted green. The original liner, or at least the leather portion, was replaced, and a replica Austrian Helmet plate was added to the front. It also has some imitation oak leaves attached to one of the ventilation lugs to complete the look. It is not really a period correct configuration of this helmet, but it definitely looks great!

We have measured the helmets exterior, and it is definitely a size 66 shell. There are no maker marks on the inside of the shell. This is not abnormal for Austro-Hungarian M17 helmets, as many of the makers used only ink stamps, and the rolling mill code is on the outside of the crown, which is easily painted over. However, with the original paint, the rolling mill marking of 1 4 5 is still visible. We think we can see the ghost of an "L" marking to the left of these, indicating the steel was rolled at Ludwikow.

The shell also retains both of the extended ventilation side lugs, which are the correct short version without any step for the larger size 66 shell. This would ensure proper installation of a "Stirnpanzer" brow plate regardless of shell size.

This is a great chance to pick up a very nice Austro-Hungarian "Great War" helmet shell, restored and dressed up for display. Ready to add to your WWI collection!

The Central Powers of Austria-Hungary used, manufactured and commissioned, variations of the World War One German Stahlhelm M16 design. The Austrian M1917 helmet was similar to the German M1916, but had a few variations including the chinstrap,, chinstrap rivets located higher up on the steel shell and variations in locations of markings among others.

Early Austrian helmets were supplied by Germany, the first shells supplied as the chinstrap rivets were mounted in a lower position. The Austrians fitted their own chinstrap bales, chinstraps and liner and painted them in Austrian Isonzo braun. These modifications were carried out with German machinery at the"Adolf Westen di Cilli factory, which is now Celije, in Slovenia.

Austro-Hungarian WWI Helmets Makers-

There are only 9 known factories that produced helmets during WWI for the KUK. Unlike the Germans the Austrian pattern helmet are often found without factory stamps and heating lot codes. When the heating lot codes are present it is often on the outer top dome of the helmet instead of the inside. The following is a table of Manufactures codes of helmets produced by the Austrians. Several of these makers did not stamp the code into the shell of the helmet but rather marked them with an ink stamp. Therefore many Austrian shells will be encountered today that seem to have no maker mark as the ink stamp has worn off, but most will have rolling mill codes.

Maker Name Factory Location Maker code Sizes Model

A. Westen Cilli Celie, Slovenia AW 64 M17

Brüder Gottlieb u. Brauchbar Brunn BGB 66 M17

C. A. Scholtz,Mateocz Sloeakei CAS 66 M17

Berndorfer Metal-Warenfabrik Berndorf, Austria "Bear" logo 66,64

Bruder Lapp, Rottenman u. Warcholowsky Unknown ? M17

Nadrag,Transilvania Transylvania Unknown ? M17

Resicka, Transylvania Transylvania Unknown ? M17

Bleckmann & Poldihutte Klando Boemia Unknown x Stirnpanzer

Gebruder Bohler & Co., Kapfen Austria, Stiria GB "Star" 66 M17

Rolling Mills Marker Code

Ludwikow L

Bleckmann B

Poldi P