Authentic bulgarian M16?

[Bartimaerus]

Hello folks,

Ive recently gotten into collecting bulgarian WWI militaria, and Ive stumbled across this german made made M16 helmet that was supplied to the bulgarians during WWI. As you can see in the photos it has the painted on decal and a subdued mimicry paint scheme reminiscent of the german style of fall 1918. Do you think the mimicry and decal is original or has it been repainted by a collector? The helmet is located in Bulgaria, so seeing it in person wont be possible Im afraid.

Thanks as always,

Bartimaerus

[Jack59]

Hi Bartimaerus, this M16 helmet is part of the 170,000 supplied by Germany in 1917 & classified as the M1917 by the Bulgarian Army. The cradle & chinstrap are Bulgarian used to refurbished the helmet. The photos are of low resolution so I think the national colours is a decal used in the 1930s. As for the camo painting It seems put on top of older & worn off paint. Andy a specialist of Imperial helmets could give a good opinion about the camouflage paint. I believe the helmet should have been repainted olive green before putting a decal on.

Bulgarian soldiers in the 30s.

[Bartimaerus]

Always Jack coming in the clutch haha, thanks mate!

[Jack59]

You're welcome I like those Bulgarian helmets!

[Bartimaerus]

Btw who is this Andy youre reffering to? Is he one of the regulars over at the imperial subforum?

[Tinhat]

To me the inside of the helmet rim is the color I would expect to see on a Bulgarian re-issue and it looks like the cammo pattern has been added after, the condition of the outside paint compared to the inside doesn't match.

Steve

[Jack59]

Btw who is this Andy youre reffering to? Is he one of the regulars over at the imperial subforum?

Exact AndyM35, knowledgeable member about German Imperial steel helmets, his comments are pleasant to read & a great source of information.