M 17 with center stamp !?What does it say about the helmet ??

**unimarc** · 02-07-2013, 10:59 AM

Hi there,

I bought this M17 a little while ago.
It has the original green colour, and an overpaint by hand in a slightly lighter grey/green colour.
The "skirt is stamped W66 and it has a painted 66 at the back as well.
But my question is : The stamp in the center of the shell (detail picture), does anyone knows what that stands for ?? It reads R351.

Any comments are welcome :-)

MFG
Marc

M 17 with center stamp !?What does it say about the helmet ??

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 02-07-2013 10:59 AM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**Lidman** · 02-07-2013, 11:38 AM

Hi Marc,

That would indicate a batch number from my understanding.

Brad.

**unimarc** · 02-07-2013, 11:53 AM

OK

But it is placed in the center of the helmet not at "the skirt" !

MFG
Marc

**KradSpam** · 02-07-2013, 12:05 PM

That is normal for WW1 Helmets, I don't know if all factories did but the ones I have seen certainly. It was moved to the rear skirt as standard from the M35 onwards.

By the way you have an M16 there, not 17. M16 has leather liner band, M17 has steel.

**oradour** · 02-07-2013, 12:14 PM

Gents.....The stamped "R351" is indeed a batch or heat number indicating which rolling mill the batch of steel came from, in the case of the "R" stamp, that will be "Stahlwerk Röchling" in Volkingen. That is a nice M16 you have there, I would not put it in the category of a relic ! The "66" stamped in black ink on the inside rear skirt would imply a depot refurbished helmet. Behind the lines repair units would re furbish damaged helmets, repair dents, replace liner parts etc...and re paint....the "66" is for quick recognition on size, when eventually returned to Regimental/company clothing stores. Often, especially in the early years of WW1 equipment would be secured from post battlefield areas and returned to these depots for repair and eventual reissue.
Prost ! Steve.

**DougB** · 02-07-2013, 03:01 PM

Yes Steve this is not a relic and I have moved it to the appropriate section. Nice WW1 helmet actually.

**unimarc** · 02-07-2013, 03:12 PM

This is a M17, with steel band !!!
And thanks for the advice on stamp placing :-)

MFG
Marc

**unimarc** · 02-07-2013, 03:14 PM

Hi Steve, very informative :-)

MFG
Marc

**Adler** · 02-07-2013, 03:48 PM

I agree with Steve 100%!
Doug, you have put this M17 helmet in the appropriate section you say... But does an M17 belong in Forum-German Militaria 1933-1945 Steel Helmets? I would think it belongs in the imperial section? I've noticed already several times that WW1 helmets end up in the WW2 section, maybe it's time to make a seperate section for imperial and WW1 helmets and headgear?

Adler

PS Marc, sorry if my remarks might polute your thread... If so, the mods may remove it of course...