December 7th Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 170:
Description
This lot presents an outstanding example of a German Model 1918 M1918 Combat Helmet Stahlhelm, the final and most refined iteration of the Great War German helmet design. The M1918 is recognized by the distinct flared cut-outs on the skirt near the ears, a feature added to improve a soldiers hearing.
The steel shell retains its original dark finish, which is covered by heavy, authentic surface rust and patina, indicative of long-term storage or ground recovery though it is clearly not a dug relic. This significant surface deterioration confirms the helmets age and provides an evocative, battle-worn aesthetic. The helmet features the iconic, protruding ventilation/chinstrap lugs on the sides, which are intact. The shell is believed to be a large size, though the manufacturer and size markings typically stamped inside the dome or skirt are obscured by the helmets condition or the liner band.
The interior is surprisingly well-preserved relative to the exterior. It features the three-pad leather liner system unique to the M1916/M1918 models, secured by its original steel band. The leather pads are present, showing heavy drying, darkening, and minor cracking typical of an antique combat helmet, including a partial tear in one of the rear tongues, but it remains largely intact. Crucially, the helmet retains its original two-piece leather chinstrap, which attaches to the liner band not the shell lugs on this pattern. The strap is dry, cracked, and heavily used, but is complete with the buckle and tongue.
This M1918 helmet is a powerful relic of the trenches, valued for its rare, original components especially the liner and chinstrap and its dramatic, heavily rusted, veteran appearance.
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