Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a fantastic Imperial German WWI Lederschutzhelm (Leather Crash Helmet), used by the earliest Panzer Tanker troops during "The Great War". These are extremely rare, and is only the second example that we have had. During those days armored warfare was in its infancy, and a large variety of designs were fielded, this being one of the more elaborate designs, which is actually quite similar to later crash helmets and tanker helmets used by Germany during WWII.
This wonderful very early tanker helmet came to us from the American Armoured Foundation, Inc. Tank and Ordnance Memorial Museum. The AAF Tank Museum was a living memorial dedicated to the Tank and Cavalry soldiers of the world. Before 1981 some of the artifacts that make up the AAF Tank Museum was a private collection belonging to Mr. William Gasser. Mr. Gasser felt that his collection would be beneficial in educating present and future generations to the sacrifices made and the technologies gained during war. Therefore, in 1981 the AAF Tank Museum was established as a non-profit charitable organization, and Mr. Gasser's donated his private collection to the Tank Museum. Mr. Gasser is still active as Volunteer Director and Curator of the Tank Museum and his knowledge of military history has been a great asset to the museum. Unfortunately after 20 years of operation it had to close its doors, which is when this helmet was acquired.
The development of tanks in World War I began as an attempt to break the stalemate which trench warfare had brought to the Western Front. The British and French both began experimenting in 1915, and deployed tanks in battle from 1916 and 1917 respectively. The Germans, on the other hand, were slower to develop tanks, concentrating on anti-tank weapons.
The German response to the modest initial successes of the Allied tanks was the A7V, which, like some other tanks of the period, was based on caterpillar tracks of the type found on the American Holt Tractors. Initially unconvinced that tanks were a serious threat, the High Command ordered just twenty A7Vs, which took part in a handful of actions between March and October 1918. They suffered from numerous design faults, and Germany actually used more captured British tanks than A7Vs. As it became clear that the tank could play a significant role on the battlefield, Germany began working on designs for both heavy and light tanks, but only a small number of prototypes were completed by the end of the War.
As there were prototype tanks, there were also numerous prototype Lederschutzhelm Crash helmets produced, both for Tanker and for Airplane use. With a heavy design that is also slightly bulky, this is definitely a tanker helmet, meant to help prevent injury due to the cramped and unstable interior of tanks. Anyone who has been inside an armored vehicle can tell you how easy it can be to suffer a serious head injury.
This example is far more rugged than the earlier design example we had, with a "frame" consisting of protecting bands crossed across the top of the helmet, which meet a double row of bands around the bottom. These are molded into the leather shell itself, but it also looks like there is padding inside of them, probably made from early fabric covered foam rubber, which is now quite hard. This also looks to function as the "liner" and has some circles on the inside to secure it around the head. It also has a leather chinstrap, which goes over the ears and has holes so that the wearer can still hear. There is also a padded neck guard on the back, providing additional protection.
We were not able to locate any type of markings, but that is no uncommon for these very early helmets. It is in very good condition, showing the expected age and wear from being over 100 years in age. There is some cracking of the leather shell, as well as repairs, and it is possible that the exterior was refinished at some point.
A lovely example of a very rare early Tanker helmet, ready to add to your collection!
