UBB.threads Forums Uniform & Accessories Helmet Forum Police Helmet?

Pardon the intrusion fellas, but I'm a dagger collector who needs a little helmet info. I just inherited what appears to be an Austrian M16 helmet reissued with police markings. At least that's what my search on this forum indicates. It was supposedly taken from an abandoned German train in the Kasserine Pass by an American soldier. His son just gave it to me last week. Can one of you helmet gurus confirm my observations? This is not a solicitation to sell. This baby has found a home!
Thanks-

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DD,

Very nice tyransitional helmet. You are correct...that is an Austrian shell that has been re-worked between the wars (mid-1930s). The grommet-reinforced three pad liner, the brown leather chinstrap and the domed liner rivets being the clues. I also believe this may have been a black Allgemeine-SS/SS-VT helmet in a former life. Any decal outlines visible under the existing Police decals?

Thanks for the response, Darryl. There is definitely a black base coat of paint under the green top coat. I can find no evidence of another decal outline under the police emblem, even under high magnification. If it's there, it's directly under the police decal. Are there any other marks or numerals that would indicate a previous life? There are no manufacturers marks on the chin strap, either. One of the liners does have a faint hand printed ink name of Ludwig followed by what appears to be Robert and an unreadable last name.

My opinion is that it is indeed a Police helmet re-issued from a former black SS transitional. The chinstrap is identical to an example on one of my M16s and is typical of what was used in this period...to my knowledge they were not marked. It's too bad that the former decals were removed as that would have been a cool discovery. If they were still there you would see them quite easily under the smooth green paint.

You have a very nice piece...congratulations.

Cheers,