Black Painted M16 Combat Helmet by F.C. Bellinger of Fulda

The helmet is a Model 1916 combat helmet that has a quite old exterior painted surface in black, while the interior retains its field gray paint. The exterior paint is approximately 90 percent intact, with scattered scratches, abrasions, and spots of rust. The application of black paint to the M16 helmet suggests that the helmet was repurposed for further use during the Third Reich, possibly by the SS or by the Bahnschutzpolizei. The interior of the helmet bears the mark of “BF 64”, reflecting production of a size 64 helmet by the firm of F.C. Bellinger of Fulda. The three interior leather liner pads are intact, with the cloth “pillow” bags affixed behind them. The liner pads are quite dry and have shrunk but they are intact. The drawstring is gone. One of the chin strap bales remains on one of the interior lugs.