This new condition West German helmet is marked as metric size 53-55 on the liner. This converts to 20 7/8" to 21 5/8", or X-small to small, or hat size 6 5/8 to 6 7/8. It has the three point chin strap system. Here is a description of the history of these helmets.                                                                                   The West Germany M-56 Stahlheim was a direct copy of the U.S M1 helmet. It was properly called "zweiteiliger stahlhelm" (two-piece steel helmet.) In 1958 the helmet was made as a one-piece helmet and renamed Stahlhelm M1A1. The M1A1 came in three sizes, 66, 68, and 71. This helmet was used throughout the 1960s and 1970s until 1981 when a modified version was released and renamed the Helm1A1. Modifications included a 3-point chin strap with the third point connecting at the nape, extra large sizes, and a further adjustable liner.

The M1A1 Stahlhelm remained in service until 1992 when the Bundeswehr replaced it with a PASGT-derived kevlar helmet called the Gefechtshelm (battle helmet).