German Helmet with Postage Stamps

Details

Title	German Helmet with Postage Stamps
Description	The Stahlhelm, or steel helmet replaced the more imposing Pickelhaube helmets used by German infantry soldiers earlier on in the war. By 1917 the Stahlhelm was the preferred helmet of German soldiers as it offered far more protection from shrapnel and bullet wounds than the leather Pickelhaube. The Stahlhelm also became a frightening symbol of German Stormtroopers in WWII. This particular example is marked with postal stamps featuring a portrait of George Washington. American soldiers could ship “trophies” or enemy paraphernalia home for the price of the objects weight in postage.
Contributing Institution	Soldiers Memorial Military Museum
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