M18 Berndorfer with camo found at Kursk battleground

[Irish1965]

Hi everyone,

This one is puzzling. A helmet what looks like a 1918 Austrian Berndorfer (also called the Hungarian M18). Found at Kursk battleground. Painted in what looks like three tone camo. Having a German WW2 liner band. The screws are weird, but with a re-issued WW1 helmet, maybe used by the Baltic militia in 1919 or the German Freikorp. Is it worth purchasing?

What do you think. Any idea's.

Cheers Paul













Thks Paul

[AndyM35]

Hi Paul,

I agree, looks like an M18 Berndorfer made Hungarian Steel Helmet. I don’t think the liner pins are a big issue as I’ve seen similar examples on WW1 shells. These are quite rare as they weren’t made in the same large numbers like German helmets were. The blue paint reminds me of the shade used on early Luftwaffe helmets. It’s hard to tell from the photos if the blue is under the camo or vice versa as they are not very high resolution. I think I’d want clearer photos or an in hand inspection on this one. If it was really cheap and being a rare shell, then an interesting relic to have.

Andy

[Irish1965]

I have acquired the helmet. It took 220 USD to get it. Not very cheap but it fits nicely in my collection. I think it will take some time to get here. I will post it after unboxing.

Cheers Paul

[Tinhat]

Nice relic helmet. the thick rivet on the back is correct, I believe it was to stop the strap from the front helmet plate slipping up.

Steve.