M15 different hues of grey

argonne

argonne

Well-known member
Gents,

As Ron suggested in a parallel post, it could be interesting to make an analysis of the chemical treatment of M15 fittings and compare the different hues of grey.

I only have two M15, they are both saxon.
One very dark with owner name in it of a guy (Moritz THIEME I) in the 6/RJR245, taken prisoner on the 12.9.16 in the Somme. No maker mark...

thieme11.jpg


thieme21.jpg


and another one, pretty light grey, R100 IB unit marked and named of a guy (Johannes KNOPF) who was in the 3/LGR100 and got wounded also in the Somme on the 6.12.16. Maker mark from Moritz Stecher / Freiberg in Sachsen

knopf110.jpg


knopf112.jpg


knopf213.jpg


Philippe
:)
 
Anyone have any idea of what the chemical treatment was that was used to color the fittings on the M'15 helmets? How was it done?
 
For ferrous fittings, the process would involve immersion in manganese or zinc phosphate (parkerizing). Alloy fittings (brass, Tombak) can be chemically darkened with selenium dioxide.
 
I have a generic Prussian M-15 that has very dark hardware .

I thought that the helmet was in a high moister area for a LONG TIME .

After seeing this post it could have been made that way .

Maybe I will take it out of the junk pile of helmets :thumb up:
 
pickelhauben said:
I have a generic Prussian M-15 that has very dark hardware .

I thought that the helmet was in a high moister area for a LONG TIME .

After seeing this post it could have been made that way .

Maybe I will take it out of the junk pile of helmets :thumb up:
Click to expand...

Looking closely at your helmet it appears to have been made with that finish.
 
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