The M16 Stahlhelm (steel helmet) was the standard combat helmet of the Imperial German Army from 1916 until the end of the First World War, and remained in service into the Second World War. Designed by Dr Friedrich Schwerd following the appalling head wound casualties of the early war, the M16 was a revolutionary piece of protective equipment that influenced virtually every steel helmet designed since.
This example is an original 1916-dated M16 Stahlhelm, making it over 100 years old. It has been repainted in a camouflage scheme at some point in its service history — a common practice for helmets reused in the post-war period or during WW2 service.
Details
- Type: M16 Stahlhelm (Model 1916)
- Origin: Imperial German Army, First World War
- Date: 1916 (stamped)
- Condition: Original, repainted in camouflage — see images for full assessment
- Liner: Present (see images)
Collector Note
Original M16 Stahlhelms in any condition are increasingly rare and valuable. This example is a genuine, dated original — not a reproduction. The repaint, while not factory-original, is itself historically interesting and may date from the interwar or WW2 period.
Please note: as a genuine antique over 100 years old, this helmet is sold as a collectors’ item. It is not designed or intended for use as protective headgear.
