German-Converted Austrian M17 Helmet

Description

10/3/25- For sale is an Austrian M17 helmet with two Nazi era decals. After the introduction of metal helmets to the WWI battlefield, Austria-Hungary was slightly behind on the development of their own helmets. Austria's first pattern helmets were closely modeled on the German M16/17 pattern, leading to these helmets being called the Austrian M17. The Austrian M17 is distinct from the German pattern because the rivet for attaching the chinstrap is placed slightly higher on the Austrian pattern helmets. This helmet is painted black and has a Nazi decal on the left side of the helmet, indicating it was used in peacetime and transitioned to Nazi control after the Anschluss of 1938. There is the very faint remnant of a decal on the right side, indicating it is a dual-decal helmet but the right side decal is probably only 10-20% visible/present. The leather liner is partially present and is a German pattern, again indicating a German rework. The chinstrap is gone but the eight leather flaps of the liner are present, although worn. The helmet is in overall good condition.