ET60 Splotch Camo
Just when I was trying to save some money this little beauty was offered to me and there was no way I could refuse. This example has a beautiful splotch camo applied over the field grey which can be seen peaking through in some areas. The colours of yellow, brick red and green are bright but these would likely have taken on some extra sheen as the paint has patinated over the years. There are some theories that splotch camos may have been applied before the 1918 camo directive due to the lack of dividing lines but this is mere conjecture and hard to prove either way. In one spot the 100 plus year old fingerprint of the painter can be seen in the paint. Being a size 60 but also a camo is a real bonus.
The inside is also very interesting as it has some anomalies such the twin row of stitching instead of the three rows as is usual for a double ply liner. Under one of the pads is some zig zag stitching where there is a join. I discussed this with some other long time WW1 stahlhelm collectors and we agreed it was likely due to size 60 liner bands being relatively low production and therefore more specialised compared to the larger sizes. The pads retain all of their horse hair filling and the chinstrap is an original item but added to this helmet. There is an AK inspection stamp in the rear skirt above the size 60 stamp. The dome stamps shows as an R for Rochling which is pretty consistent for ET produced shells.
This is my third size 60 and by far my favourite and I feel very lucky to have been given the chance to become the new custodian.
Andy
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