A truly remarkable WW1 Austrian M17 helmet, found untouched in a storage locker in Southern California. The dry climate preserved the paint and leather, leaving the helmet in all-original condition with its factory riveted canvas chinstrap and original liner system intact. This helmet has never been altered or cleaned, preserving its battlefield authenticity.
The helmet exhibits the typical Austrian paint scheme, which leans toward mud brown or khaki hues, likely corresponding to the German RAL 8008 paint code. This contrasts with German M16–18 helmets, which were painted in shades of dark olive to apple green to match the lowland fields and wooded regions.
Key Features
Model: Austrian M17 WW1
Factory Code: Stamped on the inside skirt near the left ear; likely BGBB (Brüder Gottlieb u. Brauchbar, Brunn, Austria)
Material & Paint: Original factory paint; mud-brown/khaki tone typical for Austrian topography
Liner & Chinstrap: Original leather liner with riveted canvas chinstrap, fully intact
Condition: Untouched, original battlefield condition; minor wear consistent with age and service
Collector’s Analysis
Rarity Factor: Extremely rare to find Austrian M17 helmets in untouched, original condition. Many were reused, repainted, or modified during the interwar period or prior to WW2.
Historical Context: Austrian M17 helmets are visually and structurally almost identical to German M16–17s, except for chinstrap rivet placement higher on the shell. Factory stamps are rare, making this example particularly desirable.
Display Potential: An excellent piece for WW1 collectors, Austrian militaria enthusiasts, and museum-quality displays, showcasing nearly a century of history preserved in original condition.
Fun Fact
This helmet survived a remarkable historical gauntlet: frontline service in WW1, potential capture by Allied forces, avoiding reissue or repurposing during the interwar period, and eventual transport to the USA without being altered, stripped, or repurposed by collectors or hobbyists. A true survivor of the Great War!
