Description
German M1918 Visorless Helmet – SI 62 Eisenhütte Silesia (Rare Variant)
This M1918 visorless helmet is a rare late-war German Stahlhelm with strong originality and excellent collector appeal. Eisenhütte Silesia of Paruschowitz, Oberschlesien produced this example, and the SI 62 mark confirms the maker and shell size. Moreover, the helmet retains its original paint, complete liner, and original chin strap with all hardware.
M1918 visorless helmet
The M1918 visorless helmet ranks among the scarcer German helmet variants of the First World War. Unlike the standard M1918 pattern, this version omits the front visor. As a result, troops could use periscopes, artillery sights, and similar optical devices with less obstruction. Therefore, the design served soldiers who spent long periods working behind observation equipment.
Only about 5,400 of these helmets were produced in total. Because of that low number, collectors pursue original examples with clear markings and matching components.
M1918 visorless helmet SI 62 markings
This helmet bears the SI 62 stamp on the left side of the forward-most part of the apron. It sits just behind the point where the apron transitions into the visor area on a standard shell. That placement matches known Eisenhütte Silesia production. In addition, Eisenhütte Silesia produced helmets in shell sizes 62 and 66, which makes this the smaller of the two known shell sizes.
The shell also retains its rolled edge. Moreover, it keeps the M16-style vent lugs that allowed attachment of anti-sniper armor. These details help define the helmet as a true late-war German combat variant.
M1918 visorless helmet shell and paint
The shell is free of dents and cracks, and it feels structurally sound. It retains its original drab green-brown paint, which gives the helmet strong visual appeal. Additionally, the visible wear patterns show honest handling over time. The patina across the shell also matches authentic field use.
M1918 visorless helmet liner and chin strap
The original liner remains complete and properly installed. It shows issue and field wear, yet the leather stays supple and the stitching remains tight. However, the small leather cord that once held the liner in tension at the top is missing.
The original chin strap is also complete and retains all hardware. Its leather remains supple, and its stitching stays tight as well. In addition, the strap shows the correct M1918 attachment method. On the M1918, the chin strap attaches to the liner, whereas the M16 secures the strap to the shell. That difference is an important construction detail for collectors.
M1918 visorless helmet for advanced collectors
This helmet offers several traits that collectors want in a rare Imperial German piece. It has a clear maker mark, original paint, an original liner, and an original chin strap. Furthermore, it shows consistent age and patina throughout. Because of these traits, it stands out as an honest and desirable example of a scarce WWI German helmet.
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