I received this figure for Christmas and am currently trying to decide whether I should paint the helmet plain (green-grey) or camo. I know camo is more interesting to look at and I also know that general orders at some point instructed all helmets to be painted camo, but that doesn't seem to be the norm. As I am away for the holidays I cannot answer questions about this figure yet (it's in California and I am in Arizona).

Input?

The way I see it you have several options.

Get your self another one, that way you can have two versions of helmet paint but, one with the gasmask on and the other without.

Barring that, then its HEADS - Feldgrau, TAILS - Camo!

Joe

M1916 and M1917


1916 Stahlhelm with 1918camouflage pattern applied in the field.
The Stahlhelm was introduced into regular service during the Verdun campaign in early 1916.
The M1916 design had side-mounted horn-like ventilator lugs which were intended to be support for an additional steel brow plate or Stirnpanzer, which only ever saw limited use by snipers and trench raiding parties, as it was too heavy for general use.
The shell came in different sizes, from 60 to 68, with some size 70s reported. The suspension, or liner, consisted of a headband with three segmented leather pouches, each holding padding materials, and leather or fabric cords could be adjusted to provide a comfortable fit. The one-piece leather chin strap was attached to the shell by chinstrap lugs, the same kind that whas used into Pickelhaube helmet.
The M1916 design provided excellent protection.
But the helmet was not without its flaws. The ventilator horns often let cold air in during the winter, requiring the wearer to block the vents with mud or fabric. The large, flared skirt tended to make it difficult for soldiers to hear, distorting surrounding sounds and creating an echo when the wearer spoke.
Originally painted Feldgrau (field grey), the Stahlhelm was often camouflaged by troops in the field using mud, foliage, cloth covers, and paint. Official issue cloth covers in white and grey appeared in late 1916 and early 1917. Camouflage paint was not formally introduced until July 1918, when German Army Order II, No 91 366, signed by General Erich Ludendorff on 7 July 1918, outlined official standards for helmet camouflage. The order stipulated that helmets should be painted in several colors, separated by a finger-wide black line. The colors should be relevant to the season, such as using green, brown and ochre in summer.
After the effectiveness of the M1916 design was validated during the 1916 campaigns, incremental improvements were subsequently made. The M1917 version saw improvements to the liner, but was otherwise identical to the original design.

Hope this info is good for painting the helmet in the right color

Marc

For what it's worth, I painted mine in camo. The reason for that decision was that it was a splash of colour I thought added some more interest, it was certainly accurate historically speaking, and it was an enjoyable challenge for me. Plus I think it just looks better with it than without, but that's just one man's opinion.

Thank you, Glenn. That was the type answer I was hoping for.

Thank you Marc. I had read this when I was researching another figure