Grabenhelm
Member
Here's an example of the what could happen on the receiving end of ordnance.
U.S. vet bring-back WW1 German helmet with some major crushing impact damage to the top of the helmet. There are what look like two dents from bullet impacts on the right hand side. One has blown out the vent lug but hasn't penetrated while the other one has pierced the shell.
Some background: The black and white crest painted onto the left side of the helmet was the only officially sanctioned insignia used on German helmets during WW1 and was first introduced in early 1918. It is the "Hohenzollern shield", the personal household crest of the Kaiser's family, and was worn by Regiments in the 1st Guard Infantry Division, the premier Assault Division.
The red 10 on the rear is the company number. It is presumed that its purpose was to help German artillery spotters mark their advance during operations. Late in the war the numbers were applied with white paint.
U.S. vet bring-back WW1 German helmet with some major crushing impact damage to the top of the helmet. There are what look like two dents from bullet impacts on the right hand side. One has blown out the vent lug but hasn't penetrated while the other one has pierced the shell.
Some background: The black and white crest painted onto the left side of the helmet was the only officially sanctioned insignia used on German helmets during WW1 and was first introduced in early 1918. It is the "Hohenzollern shield", the personal household crest of the Kaiser's family, and was worn by Regiments in the 1st Guard Infantry Division, the premier Assault Division.
The red 10 on the rear is the company number. It is presumed that its purpose was to help German artillery spotters mark their advance during operations. Late in the war the numbers were applied with white paint.
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