Advice on M17 helmet
Hi, came across this helmet for sale for $250 US. The seller claims the paint to be original with the owners name inscribed on the inside rim. It has ‘ Cpt Lewis Zarby Remagen Germany AM Rhien July 1st 1919’ scratched onto the inside of the dome’. just after opinions on whether this would be original and why it would be dated after the ceasefire, did something occur here after the war?
Hello Diekresse,
It’s an original M16 Imperial German helmet with steel liner band and made by the factory Eisenhuette Silesia, Paruschowitz Oberschlesien. Paint is original and the name looks fine. Good condition for its age and in a larger size but a pity about the liner.
Regarding the date, we can never be sure but potentially the date on which the item was collected or the returning soldier who souvenired it was demobilised. It’s nice helmet with a bit of history and probably not too bad a price but better if you can get a little bit more taken off.
Andy
Your man was probably part of the occupying force of the Third U.S. Army which was created by General Pershing and placed under the command of Joseph T. Dickman in early 1919. Their HQ was established in Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, Koblenz, and the force comprised of some 250,000 men. In July 1919 the Third Army was disbanded and replace by the 'American Forces in Germany' under the command General Henry Tureman Allen. American troops were eventually withdrawn from Germany in 1923 and returned home.
Cheers,
Steve
Have a look at the link below to view a photo album which was put together around the time that Captain Zarby scratched his name inside the helmet. Post #7 in the thread shows a picture of Ehrenbreitstein fortress...
WWI incredible photo album big red one
Cheers,
Steve
Even without the liner I think this M16 shell is a great find considering the history. It displays well despite the missing liner pin. NH
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