German WWI Camouflaged M16 Combat Helmet

An extremely well-preserved and visually striking example of a German World War I M16 steel combat helmet, featuring a classic three-colour camouflage scheme indicative of late-war issue. The helmet shell is stamped BS 62, denoting both the manufacturer and shell size, and retains a rich camouflage finish in green, ochre, and maroon-brown segments, carefully bordered in black – a textbook pattern introduced in 1918 to break up the helmet’s silhouette on the battlefield.

The exterior paint remains vibrant with only minor abrasions and age-related wear, highlighting the care taken in its original application. The interior features the original M16 leather liner band, complete with all three padded sections present. Of the internal pads: one retains a single leather tongue, another has both tongues intact, and the third is missing both – a typical degree of wear for a helmet over a century old. The rear liner retaining rivet is absent, but the remaining structural elements are solid and undisturbed.

These camouflaged M16 helmets are among the most evocative artefacts of the Great War, symbolising Germany’s adaptation to the brutal realities of trench warfare. With its excellent colour retention and largely intact liner system, this helmet offers both historical significance and exceptional display appeal.

Ref; 88012 XDF