I have had this one for over 20 years - an Imperial M18 Ear Cut Out - an ET64 - complete with the original factory installed M18 liner with the white pads, and a period (interwar period!) installed chin strap. Upon close examination it is clear that at one point it had a camo finish, remnants of the camo paint can be seen on the apex of each cut out. Another interesting feature is the repair work apparent at the top of the shell. There are 2 repairs. The holes that were repaired are consistent with pick axe damage, and I believe that this helmet was, in fact, intentionally de-militarized after the Great War in accordance with the provisions of the Treaty of Versailles. Naturally, I can’t find the picture of the Old Man pick axing WWI German helmets, but I have included some pictures of a WWI camo with obvious pick axe damage for comparison. This one appears to have been repaired, refitted with a new chin strap, and reissued, perhaps for use by a Freikorps Paramilitary soldier. This helmet would have a real story to tell. Hope you like it. Jim G.

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