Hello Folks -
Picked this up as an 'out of the clost' find about a ayear ago at a small local shop (not ebay!).
It was not labeled correctly, but only as a German Helmet. I was a bit puzzled at first, but after close inspection it is a traditional Austrian M17, in quite nice shape but missing the leather on the liner and the chinstrap. However, very little rust anywhere.
Careful inspection shows the original 'brown' was overpainted with the German style splintered camo pattern, with black line dividers. The splinter pattern looks to be almost completely intact.
Then, this was overpainted with a light green (Springtime?) wash. It still retains hardened clay on several parts, which leads me to believe it was a battlefield pickup. Appears to be totally untouched except for removal of the leather. AW 64 maker marked. I've also wondered about Finn use, but don't know how it would have found its way back in this condition.
Though it might be of interest, as it is the first such 'camoed' Austrian I have ever run across. The splinter pattern makes me think Western Front, but I'm glad to hear other opinions!
Thanks for looking!
- Mike
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Picked this up as an 'out of the clost' find about a ayear ago at a small local shop (not ebay!).
It was not labeled correctly, but only as a German Helmet. I was a bit puzzled at first, but after close inspection it is a traditional Austrian M17, in quite nice shape but missing the leather on the liner and the chinstrap. However, very little rust anywhere.
Careful inspection shows the original 'brown' was overpainted with the German style splintered camo pattern, with black line dividers. The splinter pattern looks to be almost completely intact.
Then, this was overpainted with a light green (Springtime?) wash. It still retains hardened clay on several parts, which leads me to believe it was a battlefield pickup. Appears to be totally untouched except for removal of the leather. AW 64 maker marked. I've also wondered about Finn use, but don't know how it would have found its way back in this condition.
Though it might be of interest, as it is the first such 'camoed' Austrian I have ever run across. The splinter pattern makes me think Western Front, but I'm glad to hear other opinions!
Thanks for looking!
- Mike