M16 Stahlhelm and Brow Plate

M16 Stahlhelm and Brow Plate

First used in the Verdun Campaign, the M16 Stahlhelm or steel helmet, was the standard issued German helmet from 1916 to 1918. It was updated with the M18 Stahlhelm that updated the chinstrap system. It continued to serve Germany until 1935. The Stahlhelm was designed to protect the wearer primarily from shrapnel. During the First World War, shrapnel from artillery was the most common threat for soldiers. The two lugs on the helmet allowed for a Stirnpanzer or brow plate to be added. The plates added extra protection but due to its added weight they typically saw limited use with snipers and Strumtruppen or Stormtroopers that conducted trench raids.

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