German steel helmet, 1918

The German 'Stahlhelm', known to many British soldiers as the 'coal scuttle' due to its distinctive shape, first entered service with the Germany Army during the Battle of Verdun in 1916. It was designed to reduce the number of head injuries being suffered by troops in the trenches of the Western Front. German helmets became popular souvenirs for Allied soldiers during World War One (1914-1918).