M16 shell found

[Feuerhand]

I got this helmet a few days ago . It is just the helmet shell, no inner lining, a small tear at the back of the visor, but the helmet actually has good substance. Maybe something to restore.

Best regards

 

[John Josef]

Nicely marked with the bell and L marking of Richard Lindenberg A.G., Remscheid-Hasten they only made size 64 shells so it's a pretty rare shell.

It would be a nice place holder if you're starting to collect every maker and size, With the damage and condition maybe not worth trying to restore with what are becoming harder to find and expensive liners and chinstraps.

MFG John Josef

 

[Feuerhand]

Thank you very much for the information and for identifying the manufacturer. Best regards Mike

 

[Digger1915]

It’s an interesting example as most Bell L helmets have rounded vent lugs but this one has the more regular shape. I have seen a few like this and have one example in my collection. Also a slight chance though, that the vents were swapped on this one as the patina between them and rest of the shell is quite different but not easy to make out in these pictures.

 

[Feuerhand]

Hello, thank you for the explanation, very interesting. I don't think the vents were changed. That seems to me to belong together. The color thing is a bit misleading in the photos. Best regards

 

[Digger1915]

Thanks for the close ups @Feuerhand. I agree - these look fine. Just looks as thought the shell has been cleaned or scrubbed which is causing a bit of a disparity.

 

[JohnS3rd]

I think you have a nice example of an M16 that has been there and then some. Looks like some of the original pant can still be seen.
Best regards
John

 

[CLOVIS 57]

A rare Richard Lindenberg A.G. Mine shows side posts quite special. They are made of smaller steel and are covered with brass caps from side post M95 for tip helmets. We know one or two others in France with this extremely rare feature. Was it an inconclusive test, to prevent the chin strap key from rusting and getting stuck on the side post.


And as said by Digger15, the vent lugs are well rounded.
If you want to restore it, the last thing you have to do is repaint it; in France it would lose its value. On the other hand, you can put back the liner, 2 side posts, and a chin strap, but it won’t be easy. These elements are rare in authentic versions.

 

[poniatowski]

Nice find! I would leave it exactly as it is.

Ron

 

[Feuerhand]

Many thanks for your expert information and help. Very interesting what I was able to learn here about the helmet. Your knowledge is enormous! I really have to think about what to do with it. As I understand it, a restoration is difficult. It would be best to simply preserve the helmet dome as it is. Maybe I will also part with the piece, since it actually does not fit into my collection.

Best Regards
Mike