SD M17 Austrian Reissue

[helmet2id]

This is a WWI Austrian M17 that has been "reissued" to M40 specs. These are often referenced as transitional helmets, but to me a transitional is a WWI or interwar commercial helmet issued in the early to mid 1930's when helmet design was "transitioning" from the WWI style to the iconic M35 design. Most transitionals are double decal, and many, especially the early ones, are oddly configured, with, for instance, set back decals (before the location of decals became standardized), or the retention of WWI or interwar manufactured 3 pad liners instead of the M31 liner. In 1940 many stockpiled WWI shells were returned to service. These were factory or depot refitted with M31 liners, painted with rough textured feldgrau combat paint, and adorned with a single decal of the appropriate branch of service. These are, in my mind, "reissues", not transitionals. Here is one that I would say is a classic "reissue" - an M17 Austrian shell with a one look period applied Ed Strache Heer decal, complete with a steel banded M40 liner and slightly shortened chin strap. It is identical in configuration to a vet acquired M17 Austrian reissue I have that I know was captured on the Cotentin peninsula in June 1944, and I suspect that is where this one was "liberated". Maybe these came from the static divisions manning the Atlantic Wall when the Allies landed in early June, perhaps the 716th. Anyway, it is in pretty good shape. Hope you like it. Jim G.

[Blackdog]

That's a really nice looking lid and a bonus to have a period applied ES decal in my opinion.

[MAP]

Jim, I have one just like this...well maybe not, as it is no where near as nice as yours and the liner rattles like crazy from being so loose from wear. I like yours better! LoL

[Anderson]

Nice one. You make a good point about the use of these WW1 shells into WW2 service. I think some collectors are under the impression these "reissues" didn't occur and the old WW1 stock was simply shipped off to Finland. But period photos of German servicemen during WW2 often reveal a WW1 shell in the group photo.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Very nice.

I have a similar one. Shown on the forum in the dim and distant past.

Cheers, Ade.