German WW1 M16 Camouflage Helmet. TJ66.

Here is an interesting camo pattern not following the usual geometric black lined examples usually seen. The painter has applied brown ochre patterns, mainly circular, over the period factory green finish adding black outlines around the brown. He has also added some of this black paint again in a random pattern without the brown. Most of the remaining pattern follows the mid section of the helmet with some remnants to the crown. I would rate the finish at over 75% complete even with its bright colors faded over time. All pins have matching color and are period to this helmet. The shell has a slight deformed shape, i believe from some sort of concussive blast and this is why in my opinion the liner tongues and pads have been deliberately cut out with a knife, this is quite evident when in hand. There are a number of collector reasons for this, one being the liner in poor state from blood and such when the helmet was picked up, matches the concussive blast the helmet has received. The second is the removal of the pads to allow the soldier souvenir hunter more room to fill the inside with more ''booty''. Its original M16 thick leather band remains tight to the shell and has not been removed , there is slight movement to the band. Shell has a faint TJ66 makers and size stamp to the side. A nice interesting example, not only the camo pattern but the deliberate removal of the liner pads.

Code: 62267