THE T-16-2P STRAP

PATTERN/ PAIRING:

The Haveston T-16 pattern references the German 1918 directive defining a pattern comprising 3 field tones (ochre, green and brown), sharply separated by black outlines. Utilised by the German military in the closing year of WW1, it can also interestingly be found unofficially on a number of US helmets in the post war period.

The pattern originally addressed a problem where the smooth gray M-16 helmets were found to create glare in the field. Short term solutions included the application of mud, using sand bag hessian, and even the limited use of canvas hemet cover.

In July of 1918, an official directive was issued by Chief of General Staff Ludendorff calling for a “purposeful, variegated surface paint” on helmets, equipment, and vehicles, comprising a dull 3 coloured surface (“ochre, green and brown”) with a variety of small splotches, with segments sharply separated from each other by a “finger-wide black stripe” which is “not recognizable beyond a distance of 60 meters”. 

Similar to the use of cork on M1 helmets of later years, gravel and sand was mixed in before the paint was dried to give an uneven matte finish. 

Although only employed in the closing months of WW1, the “Turtle Shell” remains an iconic representation of the Great War, and it would appear this was so even in the period immediately following the Armistice, as many surviving camouflaged helmets in collections today are likely post-war era/ trophy counterfeits. This includes examples of US P17/ Brodie helmets painted in this scheme. 

The T-16 strap pairs excellently with Field and Pilot pieces as well as well as monotone dials and designs with vintage style warm toned lume.

LAYOUT:

An alternative re-engineered 2-piece strap variation of our popular Service Series designs. Equipped with quick detach captive springbars for easy installation and removal, double layered construction and a finely woven, malleable base weave.