WW1 Stahlhelm

[leej11]

Ok guys what can you tell me about this one? This one was purchased here in Germany.

[John Brandon]

Well it's a post war re-paint with an iffy liner for sure

Original shell though

[cricketchris1944]

Bad liner ,repainted not long ago still a nice looking helmet.

[oradour]

Well it's a post war re-paint with an iffy liner for sure

Original shell though

leej11, John is spot on, you can see where the 'new' paint has been applied over corrosion, and as such the paint has sunk into the pitting, something that wouldnt be evident on an original finish. It is an M16 model Stahlhelm, i cant read the maker mark, looks to be a small size (look at the stepped vent bolts) 62/64. However, who ever did the paint job got a good match to WW1 German field grey, i dont like the artificial ageing. Can you make out the maker marks ?

[leej11]

On the liner it reads. Robert Lubstein
Mützen-u. Helm-Fabrik
Berlin NO 55
z.PAT.angemeldet

[John Brandon]

It's an old modelling trick, to age the helmet in that way.

[leej11]

Well Im out some bucks but I feel releived. Next time I want to buy a helmet I will consult the tribe first.

[oradour]

leej11, ' Lubstein ' their is a lot of Imperial Repro headgear around at this time bearing this maker name, especially on e-bay Germany.......even if the liner was real, it would not expect it to be mated with a helmet in that shade of field grey. What are the stamped markings on the helmet shell skirt ?

[leej11]

I can only see one B.P.6 or something. The last 2 are hard to make out.

[oradour]

leej11, there is no BP mark, I am certain that it will be 'BF' the nearest to BP, and as such is manufactured by F.C. Bellinger of Fulda, they made helmets in size 62, 64 and 66. IMO your helmet is size 62 or 64, the numbers after BF will be the size, so the mark in your helmet will be either BF62 or BF64.