M16 with post war history

[AndyM35]

While I’d read about WW1 German Helmets being used for various purposes after the end of the Great War and seen the old advertisements, I’d never come across one for sale, so decided to snap this one up as it was a bit of curiosity that may have been used as a coal scuttle or flower pot. It’s a large shell and and could even be a 68 when compared with other examples, however the manufacturers stamp can’t be read. An interesting thing about this one is that the rear liner pin and the front left vent lug are not positioned correctly but are the only holes for each pin. Perhaps someone had had a long lunch in the beer hall!

[TABSTABS1964]

Hello Andy.
I, too, had heard of that helmet recycling, but had never seen an example. It's really interesting.
As always well photographed.

Regards
Santi

[Kohima]

Fantastic! Certainly has the look of a coal scuttle with that heavy wire handle.
Great find.

[TABSTABS1964]

Friend Andy, with you in terms of WWI German helmets I tell you as in this old postkarte: It fits!

[AndyM35]

Hello Andy.
I, too, had heard of that helmet recycling, but had never seen an example. It's really interesting.
As always well photographed.

Regards
Santi

Hi Santi,

Thanks for the comments. I actually found this one quite challenging to photograph as the paint is so dark and it was quite bright here all day.

I have seen photos of the original posters for the Australian War Memorial Museum sales of helmets as pot plants or coal scuttles. I think this was in the 20’s. They also advertised camo helmets for sale, however, this example came from the US. I’m surprised we don’t see more but I think thereason might be that the acidic nature of coal and soils may have rusted out the bottom of many of them and they were thrown away a long time ago unfortunately.

Andy

[AndyM35]

Fantastic! Certainly has the look of a coal scuttle with that heavy wire handle.
Great find.

Yes, I think so too! No holes for water to drain out and the legs for sitting - perhaps beside the fire place!?

[AndyM35]

Friend Andy, with you in terms of WWI German helmets I tell you as in this old postkarte: It fits!

Thank you SantI I must admit that I do find the WW1 helmets quite fascinating. I think this is because I learned more about WW1 in school than WW2, and they do have a very iconic and slightly medieval look to them

[HoundsTooth]

Nice one Andy - i've not seen them like this. I've seen chamber pots, flower pots and colanders though.

I think a coal scuttle for a small fireplace. Cool item

[lebus12]

Hello ! In the sixties in Alsace, many helmets were used like flower pots. It was possible to have them, but in white paint. I have some of this time, souvenirs...

[AndyM35]

Hello ! In the sixties in Alsace, many helmets were used like flower pots. It was possible to have them, but in white paint. I have some of this time, souvenirs...

Interesting about the white paint as I can see some white paint under the dark paint.

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Nice one Andy - i've not seen them like this. I've seen chamber pots, flower pots and colanders though.

I think a coal scuttle for a small fireplace. Cool item

Thanks Nick!