WW1 Stalhelm Collection 1916-1934

[spandau]

Hi,

Thanks for looking in.

This display concentrates on the helmets used by the German (and Austrian) Army from the mid war period 1916 till the introduction of the new style 1935 lid.

Each display is representative of what the average soldier or junior officer would be utilising at that particular juncture of the development. I have tried to personalise it as much as possible in respect of supporting exhibits.

kind regards Tony

1916 : the end of an era as the Pickelhaube begins to be phased out in favour of a new form of head protection. This last model was in issue at the end of 1915 and featured a removeable spike alongside the painted field grey helmet ornaments. The cap band around the 1908 feldmütze is shown along with the painted belt buckle to indicate that concealment was now a pressing priorty.

[spandau]

1916 saw the introduction of the new look German helmet with priority of the first production runs being given to the assault troops at Verdun. here we have a medical team with the 1916 helmet and 1915 pattern medical officers cap with masking band. Field grey painted binoculars dated 1917.





1917 with steel band for attaching the liner with a 1917 stick grenade and universal feldmütze. The need for the improved gas mask of 1916 was much in demand !



1918 the new chin strap to keep the lid on and the 1917 field cap for officers. The personal items are for an officer "for the duration " of the war. These were senior NCO's how were used to plug the gaps in junior officer ranks. The post card is for an officer called Keller who was in the Würtemburg Regt 121 and had been a professional soldier pre war. He survived and joined Regt 13 of the Reichswehr serving on the Russian front in WW2 and reached the rank of Oberstleutnant.

[spandau]

Not to be out done the Austrian had a go as well.

1916/17 saw the introduction of the German style helmet, many of which were imported from Germany but this example is Austrian made. The difference is the chin strap mainly and the fixing method which was far superior to the German system. This is for a junior officer of the Infantry Regt 7 KuK.




1918 The helemt changed a little as this is often referred to by collectors as the Hungarian model and is made by the firm Berndorfer. The cap is for an infantry man of the 49th ID and is the Garrison Cap that was much favoured by all ranks.

[spandau]

1918 Cammo helmet with the late war snap filter on the improved gas mask from 1917. Every piece in this (apart from the helemt) is dated 1918.



1919 A bit late to be tested in any degree the ear cut out trial helmet was produced from Aug 1918 onwards with only 100,000 made. They were mainly issued to the Reichswehr but the surplus was also sold to the Afghan Army among others. This display shows the transition of the uniform of the old Army towards the Provisional Reichswehr of 1919/20.



1921 saw the formation of the 100,000 man Army and the utilisation of the old Army equipment still in stores. Predominately issued were the 1918 helemt and the 1917 universal field cap.



1922 and the introduction of the state shield on the LHS of the helmet. This one is an m1916 leather liner band still in use next to the 1919 new field cap.



1925 the Helmet system was revitalised with a new liner (the same as the old one but with leather band) and a re-issue of the carbine clip chin strap. This is m1918 helemt refitted with the 1929 trial field cap that was tested that year.



1934 the M1916 has the revamped liner with carbine chin strap from approx. 1929. The 1934 officers field cap and national insignia on the helmet show the passing of the republic...…………….




Just need to find a Berndorfer……………….here's hoping.

[HoundsTooth]

Fantastic collection, very nicely presented and with a consistent theme.
Nick

[Jody]

What a beautiful and focused collection. I am stunned. I love it.

[AndyM35]

A superb display of museum standard Tony! Great phtotos too! Would love to see an Ersatz felt haube added with grey steel fittings to represent the shortage of materials and the gap they filled before the steel helmet was produced. A square dip M16 would be nice but as we know they are hard to get!

Andy

[spandau]

Roger that Andy ! The joy of militaria is that it the gift that just keeps giving. The problem with collecting is that it's not about what you've got but about what you haven't

[TabsTabs1964]

Excelent display. Excelent items.

[MAP]

No photos for me to rotate this time!

Wonderful presentation. Loved it