Model 1916/1917 Camouflage
Painted Stahlhelm
On 7 July 1918 the Chief of the General Staff issued a directive that all Stahlhelm would be painted into segments of green, yellow ochre, rust and brown. All sections were to be of equal size, sharp cornered and separated by a "finger wide" black stripe. The helmets were to be painted by the users with paint supplied. Consequently, in theory no two camouflage Stahlhelm are alike. All of the examples below have full liners.
A superb example of the camouflage four-color painting separated by a "finger wide" black line on a Model 1916 Stahlhelm.
An interesting example of a Model 1916 Stahlhelm that combines both rounded shapes, as well as the regulation sharp corners.
On this Model 1917 the colors of brown and green are used predominantly.
This Model 1916 helmet retains the original ersatz cloth chinstrap. The chinstrap is made in the same fashion as the Model 1891.
Model 1917 Stahlhelm for a MG unit. This helmet was a souvenir from a member of the 85th Battalion CEF, note the mud still in the vent post. The helmet also retains the original leather chinstrap.
The inside of the above helmet has the owners name and unit "H.Lang 1MGK" (1 Machine Gun Company) painted onto the rear apron.
A good example of a Model 1916 Stahlhelm painted according to regulations.
In 1918 the Model 1891 chinstrap and post was replaced by a more efficient chinstrap which attached directly to the liner band. This helmet was designated the Model 1918.