Almost an exact replica of the 1916 and 1917 models, the German M-18 (Model 1918) mainly differed due to the absence of interior M-1891 chinstrap lugs. According to a statement made by the German War Ministry on August 1, 1918, “The use of the leather helmet’s chinstraps is inconvenient. They do not hold the helmet securely and are easily lost.” Therefore, a new chinstrap assembly was developed that “attached directly to the liner.”¹ This change provided the Imperial German Army with a far more efficient and practical design. The M-18, along with the M-16 and 17, continued to be used in the post-WWI era by Freikorps and Reichswehr units and into the early Third Reich as “transitional” helmets.

Garment Type: Infantry Helmet

Year Made: 1918 — 1