Finnish M1916 Stahlhelm LARGE Size - WW1 Germany Winter War WW2 Continuation War

Description: Imperial Germany first issued the Stahlhelm in 1916 during World War I to reduce head injuries caused by explosives in trench warfare. At the time, its design was cutting-edge, featuring a flared skirt that protected the back and sides of the head as well as the top. The helmet's resemblance to a coal scuttle earned it this nickname among soldiers. Its widespread use by Imperial Germany and later Nazi Germany, with slightly updated versions, made it a symbol of Prussian militarism throughout the 20th century. The helmet's iconic shape even influenced modern Kevlar helmets, such as the PASGT, which American servicemen nicknamed the "K-Pot" (with "K" referring to "Kraut"). Stahlhelms were widely exported throughout the 20th century, to countries like Afghanistan, Chile (where some are still used in parades), Ireland, and various inter-war European states with ties to the former German and Austro-Hungarian Empires. Finland also extensively used Stahlhelms procured from Germany (as well as Austro-Hungarian surplus) during the Winter War and the Continuation War (WW2) against the Soviet Union. After WWII, Finland kept a large stockpile of these helmets, using them for border guard duty until the 1970s, in case the Soviets invaded again, and keeping them in inventory until 2006, when they were released onto the surplus market. Most Finnish Stahlhelms are the WW2-era M42 design, but this helmet is the rarer, earlier M1916 model from WW1. It remains in very good condition given its long history, likely having seen use in both World Wars and conflicts like the Winter War. However, it is not in mint condition. After WWII, extra holes were probably drilled into the helmet to fit an early Finnish liner, which was based on the original WWI German liner, during refurbishment by the Finnish Defense Forces (FDF). Interestingly, it retains the original German chinstrap swivels, originally designed for the Pickelhaube (the spiked helmet, another symbol of Prussian militarism). The helmet is painted a greenish "Feldgrau" color, likely a Finnish repaint rather than the original German paint. The paint is worn and patchy, especially at the top, indicating real field use. Some surface rust has transferred onto the leather liner, adding to the helmet's authentic patina. Based on the solid lugs as well as the measurements, this helmet is in an uncommon LARGE size. Measurements:Liner Headband Inner Circumference: 60cmHelmet (Metal) Inner Circumference: 66cm I normally wear a size 58cm hat and was able to fit it on my head with plenty of wobble room. This item would be perfect for a World Wars militaria collection considering its extensive service history and iconic cultural status as the ultimate "bad guy" helmet. Please see my other listings for more awesome militaria items from all modern eras. If you buy or win multiple items from me, please message me about combined shipping.

Price: 399.99 USD

Location: Los Angeles, California

End Time: 2024-12-03T06:54:37.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD