I have found some great pieces of WWI artwork on a Spanish fourm. I believe that some of it could be post-war civilian artwork, but most is original I think.
The picture you linked to is on page 5 of the above. Looks like many of those pics are on a dedicated server (that's good, they won't go AWOL piecemeal). But I think the Spanish copyright laws may be a little different to those we're used to.
This one however is on ImageShack, and as we know to our sorrow, may be somewhat evanescent - hmmm ... so that's what the "nuts" on a Stalhelm were for - http://img339.imageshack.us/i/gs403.jpg/ (from that forum). Don't mind me, I'm a slow learner, I always imagined they were some sort of over-engineered ventilators
The average recruit's collar size would increase several sizes in the first few months of wearing the WW1-WW2-Vietnam era "tin hats" (truth - well, apart from "ruggger" players who have no necks). I can only imagine what extended use of that Stalhelm would do for muscle-building of the neck. Bit of a risk to the toes as well, a tendency to tip forward I would say. I suppose that could be balanced by hanging a sandbag off the back. Potentially a whole army of rugby players then. Better than a 7.62-8mm hole through the forehead though. Marginally.
according to my knowledge you're both right. Ventilation as hang up for the extra shield as well. The bolts were drilled through. The thing weighed 1200 or 1400 gram (without addition) depending on the model. And that's a lot of weight on an human head I think. The rear part was not without risk too, could break one's neck. Well, at least that was the sinister story of 'close combat' techniques but if that ocurred often is discussed quite a few times.
What I find amazing is that the Stirnpanzer was used very little, though they didn't cease producing all mod. 1916 helmets with lugs. So I guess ventilation was important enough to justify this additional effort.
Many thanks for the link, there are lots of interesting images (paintings). Regards, Pat
-- Edited by Pat on Tuesday 28th of September 2010 10:52:42 AM