German Stahlhelm Original

[KyleSchuette]

Can anyone tell me more about the helmet? It’s on eBay and was curious as to the originality and the manufacturer. Thank you.

[Sensei]

"K" stands for J & H Kerkmann i believe, can't comment on authenticity though!

[Irish1965]

Hi KyleSchuette,

K is the mark of J. & H. Kerkmann, Ahlen/Westfalen. Apparently they produced only a size 64. So that is correct with this helmet. Kerkmann produced about 125.000 helmets during the great war. That's about 1.7% of total helmets produced. It looks a bit salty but I think it's a good original shell with original paint. Both chinstrap attachments are still there. Gives it a bit extra.

Cheers Paul

[Danmark]

Both chinstrap attachments are still there. Gives it a bit extra.

......and the two front rivets - so it could have been a M16 with the leather liner band?

[MAP]

Agree with Irish. Paint does appear to be original from these photos.

Photos however can't be expanded.

[AndyM35]

An original shell in my opinion.

Dan, M16 shell but may have been either a steel or leather liner band.

Andy

[Danmark]

An original shell in my opinion.

Dan, M16 shell but may have been either a steel or leather liner band.

Andy

True Andy - but I was having a guess based on the rivets still being there that the leather had rotted away - pure speculation I know

[AndyM35]

Dan, I haven't studied them close enough yet, but it may be possible able to work out which type of band was used on an empty M17 shell based on the shadow or marks they leave in the empty shell.

Leather bands are much more flush than the steel replacements so could be possible for interests sake.

A

[Irish1965]

Just for fun. A picture I came across Rare Historical Photos

The different stages of producing a stahlhelm.



Cheers Paul

[Danmark]

My wife will have some of the cake tins in the front row