I have been offered this helmet by a friend of mine. He said that his grandfather, an American GI (who recently passed away) brought it back from WWII. I think that it is an M1918 that was re-painted green by the vet. He also drew small swaztikas on the side, and replaced the liner with some strange plastic thing.

Do you guys agree?

Also, what is it worth or what do I pay my friend for it?
Additionaly, what would you do with it?
I am considering having it restored to what it may have been, ie a WWI Camo.

Thanks for the imput.

Chief

front view;

back;

liner;

There is a stamp inside that says; TJ 66
What does that tell me?

Last picture for now;

Hi, Yes you are correct. The helmet is a German WWI helmet at the start of its life. The only difference in the m16, m17, or m18 helmets is the style of liner they used. But you are right , about it being repainted and the liner replaced.

Thanks Joe Semen

Thanks Joe!

What does the TJ66 mean?

These were re-painted and re-issued in WWII, right?

Chief

TJ is a maker which is unknown to me but there were lots of makers compared to WW2 helmets . WW1 lids were repainted field grey and reissued to the army . If the Police or Air Raid Defence got hold of them then they were painted black generally but there are lots of variables .Rob

Give him $50 for it and take care when stripping the paint off .Rob

I've never seen that style liner before.Is it post-WWII and from what country is it from?

Raymond,
Yes, it's post war and made of plastic.

Rob,
What should I use to take the paint off?
Or should I just send it to a helemt restorer?

Chief

Chief, I have only tried paint stripper and that was many moons ago and the effect was good but obviously stripped . There are various threads on stripping on the Wehrmacht awards forum and German helmet walhalla forum ,acetone seems to be the strippers stripper of choice just take it easy and do a small bit at a time .Rob