WWI German M16 Camouflage Helmet EF64 Complete Leather Liner Chinstrap & Named AEF Souvenir Tag

Description

An exceptional, completely untouched Imperial German Model 1916 (M16) Stahlhelm featuring period camouflage and museum-grade direct provenance to the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF).

The steel shell is stamped EF64 on the interior left flare, indicating manufacture by Emaillierwerke A.G., Fulda in size 64. The exterior displays an authentic, field-applied geometric camouflage pattern in shades of ochre/tan, forest green, and dark brown, separated by hand-painted black dividing lines in accordance with the 1918 Ludendorff camouflage directive. The paint exhibits natural crazing, age patina, and honest field wear without any modern enhancement or cleaning. Both raised ventilation/stirnpanzer lugs remain intact and tightly seated.

Internally, the helmet retains its early-pattern all-leather liner band system fitted with three two-finger padded leather cushions, intact horsehair padding, and original drawstring tie cords. The complete original leather chinstrap with its roller buckle remains fastened to the liner lugs.

Affixed to the chinstrap is the original, period cloth-reinforced mail/shipping tag sent home from the Western Front:

• Sender: Pvt. Ervin W. Brandau, Supply Co. 318, Amer. Ex. Forces, A.P.O. #738

• Recipient: Miss Laura Brandau, Nora Springs, Iowa, U.S.A.

This helmet represents an investment-grade, named veteran capture artifact preserved in completely original condition.