German WWI WWII M-16 / M-18 Replica Helmet

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At the beginning of World War I, none of the combatants were issued with any form of protection for the head other than cloth and leather caps. As the war entered trench warfare phase, the number of casualties on all sides suffering from severe head wounds increased dramatically. The French were the first to see a real need for more effective protection — in late 1915 they began to issue Adrian Helmets to their troops. The British followed with the Brodie Helmet, which was also worn by U.S. forces, and the Germans with the Stahlhelm (German for "steel helmet").

The Imperial German Army began to replace the traditional leather Pickelhaube (spiked helmet) with the Stahlhelm in 1916. This helmet provided superior protection over other countries designs due to the skirt that covered the side and back of the wearers head. Although superseded by newer models it was still in use until the end of WWII by second line and home guard units. In the 1930’s the M-16 reproduction helmet’s painted gloss black became a symbol of the infamous SS.

Made by Windlass Steelcrafts, our high quality German M-16 reproduction helmet has rolled steel edges, dark green matte finish, leather adjustable head liner and chin strap.