Spring Military Aviation and Militaria Auction
Lot 242:
Description
This Imperial German Model 1916 (M16) Stahlhelm is a documented war trophy from the First World War. The steel shell is stamped ET64 along the inner brim, indicating manufacture by Eisenhuettenwerke, Thale, in a size 64. The helmet features the standard M16 configuration including the prominent side lugs used for ventilation and the attachment of the Stirnpanzer reinforced brow plate. The exterior of the helmet has been personalized as a souvenir with hand-painted white lettering. The crown is inscribed with the initials A . I . B over the location Blairstown, while the right rear side is marked NJ over USA. Research identifies these markings as the home address of Alfred I. Bellis, the father of the soldier who captured the item. The helmet was brought back to the United States by Pvt. Clarence J. Bellis, who served in France from January 31, 1918, to June 28, 1919, with Company E, 414th Telegraph Battalion, Signal Corps. This unit was primarily composed of personnel from the Erie and Philadelphia railroads. The interior of the helmet retains its original leather liner band and two of the three internal cloth padding pockets.
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