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Yeah, I'm hoping to get the Austrian volume soon. I've read at least two great commentaries on it. I'm also not quite sure how many volumes are in that set - I only bought the first two when they came out in the 90s.

I agree Ron. Looks like an artificially aged repro to me.

As for the ear cut-out model, I’ve seen it described as both a telephone-operator and cavalry helmet in various sources. The cavalry designation likely comes from the Reichswehr’s stated intention of earmarking this model for mounted troops. The telephone-operator label may also have post-war...

It’s interesting that you reached this conclusion, especially after having read Baer. The contemporary accounts in his book show that the German helmet was designed specifically to protect against smaller shrapnel pellets, grenade and shell splinters. Because a bullet-proof helmet would have...

Steve, I agree with you pretty much on all points. The amount of WW1 German camo helmets available at shows here in Canada in the early 90's when I started collecting was incredible. I found 4 or 5 high-end camos before I finally located a nice field grey helmet. The only fakes around...

I'm not sure I understand what is meant by the German helmet being an offensive helmet, especially when you contrast it to the French and British goal of producing a helmet to protect against low impact artillery shelling. Are you referring to it's overall head and neck protection vs the...

Peter, it's being assumed here that production of helmets continued or started up soon after the war while huge stockpiles of helmets in depots all over Germany were being sold off or scrapped. This was not the case. The distinction between civilian and military models must also be made clear...

It's hardly a head-scratcher Peter. Because of the limits set by the Versailles treaty, the Reichswehr was limited to one helmet per soldier in the 100 000 man army with an additional 15 000 helmets allowed held in reserve as of September 1921. Selling off or scrapping the unneeded surplus...

This square dip has an old ink or paint mark at the spot where cracks would appear during the progressive stamping process. Square dip left, production M16 right. Both are E.T. 62. Your helmet is clearly a square dip when compared to these two.

Gus pretty much nailed it. The square dip was the first test helmet which was hurriedly put into production by December 1915. Only Eisenhüttenwerke Thale (E.T. code) was involved in their manufacture. The first batch was field tested that month by Rohr's Pioniere while the bulk (around...

I can't be 100% certain going by these pictures, but the camo certainly looks old. I think it's okay. Hans

It does look like a square dip, but larger pictures would be nice. Size 62 square dips for some reason don't have quite as sharp of a visor/neck guard transition, especially when compared to size 66 examples. Hans

One more picture showing a fake chinstrap with a "Otto Koch & Co. Berlin 1917" maker stamp. A large number of these fake chinstraps began showing up for sale as originals in the 90s. Most of them were as obvious as this one, but I've since seen a few that have been aged. (I should point out...

Glad you pointed that out Gus. The chinstrap isn't going anywhere with those peened lugs. I've owned a couple of other helmets with the lugs worked that way.

Chip, that's a very good question but a bit tricky to answer. I've never owned another shell size 68 so I can't make a hands-on comparison. When comparing it to pictures of the other 2 makers (known to me) of that size, it does stand alone in some minor aspects. The visor/neck guard...

I would be very interested in seeing other examples from this helmet maker that are out there. Thanks Hans

The smelting lot number in this helmet, R302, is the highest of the four K&M stamped examples I've seen. The other three were all in the 200 range.

Those interested in and keeping track of WW1 German helmet manufacturers and codes will know that a small number of the 13 helmet makers turn up far less frequently than others. Although Körting & Mathiesen is listed as a manufacturer of steel helmets in Baer's books and elsewhere, it was only...

I agree with Gus. These leather masks tend to survive in good to excellent condition as long as they're not abused. The same often holds true with the white leather liner pads found in many M17/18 helmets. These were made of the same chrome tanned sheepskin as the Lederschutzmaske. Very nice...