ORIGINAL HELMETS

This page was Updated March 7, 2023 at 12:30 AM EST

 

      

   

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Item 954 M35 Single decal KM helmet

This is a SE64 M40 which was produced in 1940 as part of the only Kriegsmarine contract which this manufacturer had. The decal is a textbook example of a the eagle decal in gold with the typical slightly greenish detail lines. The textured paint negates the layered effect around the eagles wings and the legs of the swastika but it is somewhat visible. The other side of the helmet shows the effect of rust over a palm-sized area of the paint and generally the finish has taken a slightly brown hue. Some have opined that this is found among KM helmets due to the salt air of the environment in which they were used. This could be correct but I know of no scientific way of proving that. The helmets original owner  wrote his name on the leather and also wrote it onto a tag which was sewn to the leather. The chinstrap seems, by all indications, to be original to the helmet. This is a very good example. $2050.00SOLD

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Item 953 M40 no decal helmet

Sometime I run across one of these that just strikes me because of that certain look. All components original to the piece; matching condition and well balanced; used but not abused; honest as a judge. This is a post 1934 Quist no-decal M40 which is everything that the pictures show. 95% original paint, slightly worn “bowl shaped” liner; the strap is by all indications, original to the helmet. The drawstring has never been re-tied. You’ll love this one. $1100.00

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Item 952 M35 Double decal SS helmet

This is an example of one of my favorite kinds of helmet. It is a double decal SS which; like a significant number of like examples, served out the war without being refurbished or modified to conform to either 1940 or 1943 specifications. From what I have observed, early SS helmets were used; unmodified throughout the war much more than their army/Luftwaffe counterparts. Perhaps this is a result of the widespread usage of cloth camouflage covers by the SS as opposed to only occasional use by the other service branches. This helmet retains 95% of it’s original factory applied smooth texture paint. The decals show good use yet still rate at 80%. The helmet has a steel lot number which places it’s production at mid-1939. ( there is a “W” appearing above the 4300 range lot number; the reason for which has never been explained) The acceptance stamp in the dome is faintly visible and is dated 1939. The aluminum framed liner is dated 1939. The chinstrap is a product of the manufacturer Rahm-Kampmann, Wuppertal and is likewise dated 1939. Overall, this is a very honest example of a matching-dated SS helmet from the significantly sized ET 1939 contract. (As a matter of interest; I believe that once M35 helmets began to be provided to the SS VT in 1938, the majority of them were initially produced by Quist and once that contract had been filled the ET factory then received the next contract in 1939. There are very few 1938 dated ETs and likewise very few 1939 dated Quists). SOLD

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Item 951 MKII British Paratrooper helmet

A very good example of the British MkII paratrooper helmet. This was the first model mass produced for use by the British airborne forces; used in Africa, Normandy and Arnhem. It has the distinctive applied fiber/rubber padding applied around the rim of the helmet shell. The MkII “Fiber-rim” helmet was mainly produced during 1942 and this example has a 1942 dated BMB marked liner supported by the early style tan/yellow padding between the liner and shell. The leather chinstrap/harness is the correct type and shows considerable wear; being suitable for display but should not be stretched over the “chin” of a head-form. The exterior of the helmet has wartime applied camouflage consisting of the typical yellow cloud-like shapes. Overall a very good example of a very hard-to-find helmet. SOLD

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Item 953 M40 Single decal Luftwaffe helmet

This is a Q66 M40 helmet with approximately 85% of it’s original wartime textured paint. The Luftwaffe eagle decal rates likewise at approximately 85%. Overall the helmet shows a good amount of wear and age but is 100% honest. The chinstrap is not a wartime example but was taken from an early production M57 Grenschutz helmet (the postwar German border guard helmet which was patterned after the M40 helmet.) Overall, a decent example. SOLD

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Item 950 M35 re-issue Army helmet

This is an EF64 M35 helmet which is a late production example, being factory finished to 1940 specifications at some point in early 1940. It was finished in wartime spec textured paint and a single army decal was applied. The helmet was fitted with a 1940 dated steel frame liner which is an early example, being equipped with aluminum chamfered chinstrap bales. The helmet retains it’s original 1940 dated chinstrap. The exterior of the helmet was painted overat some point with the eagle decal being painted around. Later it was repainted again, thie time covering the decal. You can see the ridge around the decal which was caused by the initial overpaint being done around the decal. This helmet is a specimen which was extensively used in combat, showing evidence of the exterior twice being “refreshed”. The split-pins are made from a nickel alloy and as a result, the paint has been worn from them almost completely. The liner shows a good amount of wear. If you are looking for a helmet that saw combat, this one makes a very good candidate. $750.00

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 I have run across a copy of the second printing of my book “Germany’s Combat helmets”. It’s in un-used condition. Just in case you might need one. SOLD

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Item 946 M35 Luftwaffe Double decal camouflage helmet

This is an M35 Quist Luftwaffe helmet of 1938 vintage. The decals have both been covered by the three-color spray camouflage but they are faintly visible in relief if held in the right light.  The helmet is camouflaged with typical vehicle paint; presumably by a spray-gun which would be present at any field vehicle workshop. The three color finish has no added texture and has just the right appearance of camouflage which is sprayed over a factory applied M35 smooth finish. Judging from the layout of the paint, the helmet was first sprayed over the exterior with a base-coat of tan. When that was done, apparently the chinstrap was poking out from under the rim of the helmet and was hit by over-spray. The exterior was subsequently painted in spots with brown and green. The chinstrap itself is an L.B.A. marked brown leather example. Presumably dated 1938 but the maker mark is almost completely obscured. The helmet has no dome acceptance stamp which is the case with many Quist produced helmets of 1937-1939. The interior of the helmet shell shows the typical shade of finish used by Quist; being very gray.. The liner is intact and sound with moderate wear. The chinstrap is without doubt, original to the helmet. This camo helmet has very vivid colors which show great contrast  making it a “top shelf” example by any standard. $5850.00ON HOLD

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Item 948 M35 re-issue helmet

This is one of my favorite kinds of helmets. It doesn’t have the flashy good looks of a decaled helmet but it is a 100% honest example of the type of helmet a landser is going to get when he joins the army in 1943. It’s an EF68 woth a 61 liner. (The maker marking is just visible enough to see but I couldn’t get a good picture of it.) The helmet retains 97% of it’s original textured finish which was applied at some facility contracted to refurbish helmets. (The original factory finish and any decals were stripped before repainting). The liner shows very light wear and both liner and strap are as supple as you could want. It may not be a “top shelf” helmet but it will look great on your second shelf. SOLD

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Item 949 M40 Luftwaffe helmet

The liner has been ripped out but this helmet has a lot of love yet to give. 95% paint with a very good matte quality, not effected by collector handling. It has a very decent decal and overall retains it’s “fresh out of the attic” look. SOLD

 

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Item 944 M18 transition helmet

This is one of the nicest transition helmets that I have been able to offer. It is an M18 which was re-worked for issue to the fledgling Wehrmacht Ca. 1935-36. At the time it was reworked, it was brush painted in a shade of feldgrau which I refer to as 1935 spec paint; because this particular shade is very typical for M16-M18 helmets refurbished during this period. The split-pins which hold the liner were upgraded from the WW1 types to the new M31. These early M31 pins have a smaller head than later ones and a single slot washer is utilized on the inside of the shell. The helmet liner retains it’s original M27 chinstrap. The shell is an ET66. The decals are early produced C.A. Pochers and remain in excellent condition. The liner frame is a fascinating example of an ad hoc creation produced on contract from an unknown enterprise which was engaged in refurbishing helmets for the Wehrmacht. It is a single band of aluminum; fairly wide (in comparison to the M18 liner or the later M31s) and held together at the rear by 6 small, domed rivets. Overall this helmet has a very honest look and remains in excellent condition. ON HOLD

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Item 943 M1940 DAK pith helmet

Everybody loves a green canvas pith helmet. Maybe it’s because green helmets make up only about 5% of German pith helmets in general. Maybe it’s because green matches the uniforms better.  In any case; this is a good example of the first pattern canvas M1940 sun helmet as issued to members of the AfrikaKorps when they stepped off those JU52s outside Tripoli in 1941-42. The cork body is intact with no crushed spots and decent leather trim all the way around. The shields appear to be original to the helmet and were set in pre-punched holes. Overall this one has a good shape and a “Used but not abused” appearance. SOLD

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Item 942 M42 no-decal army helmet

This Hkp68 M42 helmet bears a 3300 lot number which places it’s likely production date not long after the elimination of factory applied army decals. I’d say late summer 1943. The shell retains 95% of it’s original textured paint. The liner is intact and sound though it shows a good bit of wear and age. The chinstrap is thinner than most. The long end could be something hand-fashioned to serve the purpose but I really think it is a factory made strap. I can’t see anything resembling a dome stamp but that doesn’t bother me because Hkp had a very weak and widely neglected practice of applying acceptance stamps. ON HOLD

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Item 941 M16 Imperial German army helmet

Yes; the chinstrap is not an original one. Looks pretty good but is a reproduction. But the rest of the helmet is a real peach. 95% original paint with moderate discoloration caused by patina and collector handling. The shell appears to me to be an ET (by it’s shape and the angles of the skirt) but I cannot make out the manufacture stamp/size.  It is a size 66. The liner is completely intact, fairly sound and all original with solid stitching and no damage to the fingers. SOLD

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Item 940 M35 Double decal army Helmet

One of the cleanest and most attractive examples I have been able to offer in quite a while; this ET66 M35 helmet retains 98% of it’s finish; which is a shade of feldgrau with a distinct grey-ish hue. The decals are typical ET factory applied and remain 99% intact. The acceptance stamp inside the dome is quite faint but I believe I can make out a 1939 date. The aluminum reinforced liner frame is marked and dated 1939. The lot number corresponds to mid-1939 production. The leather of the liner shows only light wear and has some minor flaking around the edge. The chinstrap is a pre-1940 example with aluminum hardware. The maker mark is quite difficult to make out but I believe it to be Rahm-Kampmann of Wuppertal and the date is likely 1939. Overall this one is a real beauty in every regard. SOLD

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Item 939 M35 Double decal Schutzpolizei helmet.

This is a very nice example of an NS produced police helmet and is a relatively late example from their 1938 contract with the Schutzpolizei. The police decal is one of two types used by NS for the 1938 contract. (The other type is the less attractive “fuzzy” eagle decal which is detailed in the police chapter of my book on helmet decals). The helmet shell size is 64. The paint is textbook for NS 1938-1939 and remains 98% intact; having a good matte quality which was not effected by handling wear and patina. The 1938 acceptance stamp inside the dome is clear and vivid. The aluminum framed liner is dated 1938. The split-pins are the sub-contracted types used by NS beginning in 1939 so I believe this helmet may have actually been assembled early in 39. The “E” prefix of the steel accountability number further indicates production later than most examples encountered. So getting past all of the technical gobble-de-gook… This is a textbook example which is in wonderful condition. $3950.00

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Item 938 M40 Single decal Luftwaffe helmet

This is an un-issued M40 Luftwaffe helmet by Quist. It is a shell size 66. A good number of Quist M40s were taken from storage by US army personnel after the war and they are often referred to as helmets taken from a train car as there exists somewhere a piece of film footage showing a train car filled with Luftwaffe helmets being looted by US soldiers. Nobody can say for sure where this helmet came from but it remains in near new condition with 98% paint, 99% decal and a liner that shows no signs of having been worn. There is no chinstrap. As we all know; chinstraps were issued separately with helmets and were not applied at the factory. When this helmet was captured, it almost certainly did not have a chinstrap yet installed. A top-shelf example. SOLD

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Item 937 MI US helmet in near new condition

They do not come much better than this one. The original paint retains virtually all of it’s texture and the color has not been darkened by patina or collector handling. Other than a few scuffs, the paint remains 99% intact. Even the stainless steel applied rim has all of it’s original paint both interior and exterior. The firestone liner is almost unworn and the webbing as well as the chinstrap remain in near mint condition. This helmet appears to have been issued twice as there is a name scratched out before the latest owner applied his name an laundry marking to several of the helmets components. The name C.E. Lloyd appears on the inner part of the sweatband. His laundry marking (last 4 digits of his A.S.N.) appear elsewhere leaving no doubt that as to the soldiers identity as verified by the listing found with NARA. Charles E. Lloyd (Of Erie New York) was involved with aircraft production before being enlisted into the army in December 1943. The enlistment records give no hint as to his war time service but perhaps further research can be done by the next lucky owner of this extraordinary helmet. SOLD

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Item 936 M1940 Green canvas Pith helmet

This is a very nice example of a rarely encountered Green canvas pith helmet. The cork body is intact with no interior breakage or cracks. The canvas is in excellent condition as is the green leather trim. The insignia shields are matching aluminum. The helmet is marked as a size 58 but there is no maker mark. This one displays quite well. $750.00 ON HOLD

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Item 934 US M1 Navy ship-board helmet 

Here is a very good example of an early fixed-bale M1 helmet that saw service with the US navy. I have found that helmets which are verifiable as pre-1945 navy-used generally have this darker shade of “battleship grey” which is more grey than blue. The helmet has a rack number on the front which is slightly off center. The Westinghouse liner is an early one with green anodized “A” washers and an early style sweatband with the wire buckle at the rear. The liner shows moderate wear and there is no damage to the webbing or chinstrap. Overall this is a very good example of a helmet-type that every US M1 enthusiast should have. $550.00

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Item 933 M28 “Kelly” helmet

This is an M28A1 helmet as worn by men of the US army during the inter-war period and until the M1 began to replace it in late 1941. US soldiers and Marines were wearing these on Corrigidor when the Japs came. This example shows moderate wear but no abuse. The leather dome pad is still attached. The chinstrap is intact and sound. The helmet had been period repainted and remains in very nice overall condition. $225.00

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Item 923 M38 Hungarian army helmet

This is one of the rarest production helmets to be encountered. The vast majority of Hungarian M38 army helmets produced during the war were lost across the steppes of Russia where the Hungarian army was destroyed. Most of the ones that survived WW2 were refurbished after the war. This size 64 example retains 90%+ of it’s original brown paint. The liner is the second pattern which came into use during the war years. The chinstrap is original and permanently mounted. The helmet shell is marked with the MAVAG maker mark and the royal Hungarian crest which is only found on M38s produced for the ZHungarian army (not to be confused with the M38 which was made on contract for Finland between 1938-40). A very nice example os a supremely rare helmet. $2750.00

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Item 915 M18 style “droop-bill” SS parade helmet

This is an M18 “style” commercially produced helmet which was used almost exclusively by the SS for their early parade helmets. By that, I mean that although the manufacturer is not known; nearly each and every helmet of this specific shell type has been found to be associated with the SS, either by added insignia or by a name/unit marking somewhere on the helmet. Although significantly less than half of the known examples bear any insignia, I have personally never seen a helmet of this type used by another service branch. The last two photos show this helmet in comparison with one which has been adorned with 1935 era C.A.Pocher decals. As t the helmets condition, the paint remains 90% intact. The liner has been patterned after the military M27 style and is permanently riveted to the shell at three points. The chinstrap is permanently riveted to the leather liner frame at each side. Overall the leather is fragile but reasonably intact. This particular helmet is not named or identified by unit. The below image shows the SD man at left wearing a helmet of this exact type with SS insignia.  $1850.00

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Item 912 M42 former Single decal army helmet

Here is an M42 ET64 with a 2707 lot number indicating likely production in the spring of 1943. The factory applied decal was removed as per specifications set down later that summer. 95% paint and a nicely used liner and strap topped off with it’s original draw cord. Overall a totally honest example. $825.00 SOLD

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Item 890 M42 late war no-decal helmet

This is a Ckl66 with na 5725 lot number indicating likely production in late 1944. The feldgrau paint has very light (almost un-noticable) texture yet remains with good matte quality; having not been effected by patina and collector handling. The liner date cannot be seen but could very well be dated 1944. The leather shows very late war tanning quality. The chinstrap is maker marked an dated 1940 but appears to be very close in condition to the helmet that it could be originally applied. Overall a very honest and well balanced late war helmet. SOLD                           

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Below are some links to pages which you might enjoy looking at.

Note: some of the links are broken (or pages wiped out) since I have moved to the new platform. I intend to rebuild and reset the links when I can get around to it. .

 

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Formal studio portarait of Oberfeldwebel Johann Schwerdfeger, a pre-war professional soldier, probably created in connection with his award of the Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross), received in 14 May 1944 when he served as a Zugführer (platoon leader) in the 1.Kompanie / I.Bataillon / Jäger-Regiment 228 / 101.Jäger-Division. Schwerdfeger soldiered from 1935 to 1937 in Infanterie-Regiment 84, and in 1939 was transferred to the third company of Infanterie-Regiment 186 of the 73. Infanterie-Division, at the Polish Campaign’s start. In June 1942, after serving in Jägerersatzbataillon 75, Schwerdfeger joined Jäger-Regiment 228 of the 101. Jäger-Division, who fought in the Don Bend, at Rostov, and at Maikop, in the Caucasus, and joined the retreat through the Kuban and the Taman Peninsula. On 17 May 1943 Schwerdfeger was awarded the Ritterkreuz (Knight’s Cross) for his extraordinary bravery in the battlefield. In April 1944, in the breakout from Hube’s Pocket, he was severely wounded, and was awarded the Eichenlaub for his Ritterkreuz; moreover, Sergeant Schwerdfeger also earned two Panzervernichtungsabzeichen (tank destruction badges), meaning that he singlehandedly destroyed two enemy tanks with hand-held weapon. Schwerdfeger was able to recover from his wounds sustained in Hube’s Pocket and served the remainder of the war. He passed away in December 2015. The novel, “The Willing Flesh”, by veteran Willi Heinrich, and the famous World War II movie “Cross of Iron” (based on the novel), is generally recognised as being loosely based on Schwerdfeger’s experiences as an NCO in Jäger-Regiment 228 in the course of that unit’s retreat through the Kuban and Taman Peninsula in the late stages of the war. 

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