M1916 Stahlhelm - E.T.64

[RON]

This is my only M16 Stahlhelm for now with E.T.64 as its only marking...
What do you think about it overall and more particularly the following:
- Shell: Has 3 different liner retaining split prongs (regular flat one, thicker one, & round one)... Period replacements?
- Liner: Why does the leather seem to have been roughly painted in black in some areas, mainly the reverse (you can also see some paint on the padding pouches)
- Chinstrap: Obviously Ersatz cloth; anything wrong with it?
I took plenty of closeups:

 

[MG34NZ]

Hi Ronny

Nice shell but the black on the liner sends shivers down my spine....I think this has been added to give an instant ageing effect to a modern replacement liner....The pockets for the pads dont look to be the right material to me but then again I have only handled a few M16's with original liners intact!

Its hard to say without having a first hand inspection and photos dont always show things in their true light so if Im wrong please correct me as I hate to cast doubt on others cherished items!

Regards
Andrew

 

[Adler]

Hi Ron, sorry to say, but in my opinion the complete liner is an aged reproduction...

Adler

 

[RON]

This is my 'Discover your Fakes week' I guess!! :x

Somehow I had a feeling something was wrong with the liner but I didn't pay much for that helmet anyway (about $380 inlcuding S&H back in the Fall of 2008) and the shell & its paint at least look OK.

What about that Ersatz Chinstrap? Not as obvious a call... Any hope there??

Should I bid on the following liner to replace mine and if so, would it fit (read '57' inside the liner and my shell is marked E.T.64)?
http://cgi.ebay.com/WWI-German-army-helmet-liner-M16-oryginal-/320717533840?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aac413290

 

[RON]

Here's another liner up for sale:
http://cgi.ebay.com/WW1-GERMAN-M-16-HELMET-LEATHER-LINER-SZ-64-ORIG-EXC-/230635783053?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35b2f6c38d

Which of the 2 is authentic and would fit my E.T.64, if any?

 

[C. Roelens]

Sorry Ron, the liner is not original, and I believe the chinstrap to be a dirtied up reproduction also. Two of the three liner pins are original. Also, the shell has been coated with a clear substance such as varnish. I would leave it as is if it were mine.

Chuck