M16 Stahlhelm and matching Gasmaske

[Neil Hever]

Friends, Some photos of my M16 Stahlhelm and matching Gasmaske purchased in 1974 for $50 and $25 respectively. This is the first memorable war material I collected not counting the Japanese bayonet and US sun helmet found in the attic. I became interested in such things as a teen in the early 70s. According to the book "Stahlhelm" this may be one of the first 100,000 produced due to the height of the visor. I have not confirmed this as fact - perhaps the group can chime in. The helmet is marked Brunnlieb and matches the gas mask canister. Unfortunately, the original helmet strap disintegrated. The copy on it now with the original hardware was made by Frank Barone. Neil H.

[oradour]

Neil Hever, your M16 is a beauty !...and leather gasmask/container superb...i love named items,especially rare to have a matching (named) pair, great prices back then, have seen how much these items go for these days !....two high end desirable pieces for any Imperial collection.

[ironcross1]

I agree , 2 very nice items , very specail indeed , cheers Raymond

[lach470]

Love the look of that helmet! Gasmask also very cool! Thanks for sharing!

Rob

[AZPhil]

Very Nice! You don't see to many M16 with the liner's intact

[Neil Hever]

Thank you kindly gents for your feedback! Over the years I was tempted to sell when times got tough but I could not part with my first real purchase. Any thoughts on value these days? Neil H.

[oradour]

Neil Hever, gasmask + can, approx £150-200, ($300), a good M16 approx £300+,($500+).