Adler 1

Thanks for interacting gentlemen! Jeff, is it marked on the left or the right side? The one 120RIR shows looks indeed Austrian, are there any markings inside? Adler 1

Yes sir, I'll be there! Adler 1

Ok, here ya go... Adler 1

Very Impressive, specially the pelzmutse and jacket! Do you want us to post our Braunschweig stuff also in this thread? Adler 1

Me like ze boxes! Adler 1

I also don't think it was meant to use against rain, just against cold weather conditions... Here's the third picture and what Johan Somers says on his site: http://militaryinterest.byethost6.com/GermanyWW1UniformsHeadgear/index.html Adler 1

Eric, I really don't know how this Daunenmantel was supposed to be worn, just because there's so little known about it. I can only say that I have seen only 3 pictures of it and they are all 3 worn on top of the regular clothes... Here's another period picture... Adler 1

Thank you for your interest in this rare bird gentlemen! Chris, its not fragile at all and very supple, one could even wear it today I think... Eric, I see what you mean by turning a sleeping bag inside out, but we do have to realise that in 1914 the knowledge about insulation was maybe 1% of what we know today. I have seen only 3 pictures of a Daunenmantel and they were all on top of their other clothes... Chip, it's stamped JR11 but I can't read the makers stamp anymore... If someone should have other pictures of a Daunenmantel, please don't hesitate to post them here... thanks in advance! Adler 1

Back in 1999 I purchased this rare piece of German WW1 clothing… A Daunenmantel, or as others call it sometimes, a Kalteschutzmantel. Since then, I’m also looking for original pictures of German soldiers wearing one of these, but it seems there aren’t many around. A few weeks ago I bought this beautiful mannequin and it seemed to be the right one to dress up as this German officer wearing a Daunenmantel in one of the pictures… The officer in the picture is wearing (don’t know why) an English cap but I used a German one (just because I don’t have an English one)… The Daunenmantel was introduced in 1914 as an emergency attempt to provide the soldiers extra protection against the first cold winter. The fabric appears to be heavy cotton, filled with down (fluffy duck feathers) and stitched in a square pattern to keep the down in place. It appears that the Daunenmantel was only produced in one size, large enough to fit over the overcoat, even while wearing standard equipment. I hope you can also enjoy this rare bird… Adler 1

The ones you found... Adler 1

Can you show them Eric? Adler 1

Ok, now it's getting difficult to answer... having 2 Erics arround! Just joking of course I'm actually impressed by the skills of the guys who put some color into these original pictures. It's very realistic actually... I don't see a problem with that Eric (Hoss)... Thanks for posting Eric (other one )... Eric (Hoss), does this mean a dead end for this subject? Adler 1

You have a wonderfull collection sir! Adler 1

Ok, I'll be patient... Adler 1

Nice setup Eric! Adler 1

Taking measurements and weighing them is already on my agenda for next week... Sending it to me isn't a problem at all, but shouldn't we fist wait for the answer of the museum? Adler 1

Thank you for your efforts Eric! The ones in the IWM pictures are the real deal, but what you write about the "strange but definitely not copies" is no proof at all for being an experimental piece. I think IWM would certainly search further to find out what it really is... Please check with them, they might have more info on it. I know, I know... Still have so much to learn and yes there's not so much information about stirnpanzers floating arrond, but I do want some proof in cases like this. Adler 1

Thanks for the pictures Eric! I'm sorry, but to me this plate doesn't look like an original or certainly not experimental, so here come the questions: 1) The provenance of the Collins Foundation... can you explain this a little more please? 2) Is there a maker stamp on the inside of the plate? 3) Isn't it strange that the helmet and plate have exactly the same wrong color, as they were distributed seperately? 4) Why do you think the plate is experimental? 5) Are there any extraction marks on the plate? These are usually present because the plates were pulled out of the mold, while still being hot... Hope you don't mind asking all this... Adler 1

Ok, can't wait to see the pictures, but pleas don't drill holes in it ... Adler

Thanks for your interest gentlemen! Eric, do you have some pictures of that prototype? They are indeed a bit different depending on the maker. When I have some time I want to examine them further... Dimensions, weight etc. Adler 1

Thanks for your comments guys! Two different makers and all different lot nrs... Adler 1

What can I say? I just can’t control myself when I see a stirnpanzer… Adler

Top shelf material! Congratulations! Adler 1

I would look more carefully! At least two of the tongues are torn and probably the hidden one also has issues (why is it hidden in the pics?)... Anyway it's still a nice helmet, but not the perfect one. Just my two cents of course... Adler 1

Ok, this make things more clear! It looks like you have an original... however someone has messed with it a little bit. As you may have discovered yourself, the chinstrap and kokarden appear to be replacements. The helmet plate is fixed: the replacement crown on the orb appears to be something home made... All in all a good helmet and with an original plate, chinstrap and kokarden, it will even be a fine helmet! Adler 1