L012095 M35 TROPICAL DOUBLE DECAL HELMET. (Stahlhelm M35) 

BACKGROUND: The first "modern" steel helmets were introduced by the French army in early 1915 and were shortly followed by the British army later that year. With plans on the drawing board, experimental helmets in the field, ("Gaede" helmet), and some captured French and British helmets the German army began tests for their own steel helmet at the Kummersdorf Proving Grounds in November, and in the field in December 1915. An acceptable pattern was developed and approved and production began at Eisen und Hüttenwerke, AG Thale/Harz, in the spring of 1916. These first modern M16 helmets evolved into the M18 helmets by the end of WWI. The M16 and M18 helmets remained in usage through out the Weimar Reichswehr era and on into the early years of the Third Reich until the development of the smaller, lighter M35 style helmet in June 1935. In an effort to reduced construction time and labor costs minor modifications were introduced in March 1940 resulting in the M40 helmet. Further construction modifications were undertaken in August 1942 resulting in the M42 helmet. The Luftwaffe pattern national eagle was originally introduced for wear by Fliegerschaft personnel on August 18TH 1934, and adopted for wear by the Luftwaffe on March 1ST 1935 along with the national tri color shield for wear on the helmet. The first pattern national eagle was utilized until a modified second pattern eagle was introduced in late 1936 or early 1937. Regulations of June 12TH 1940 discontinued the use of the national tri color decal and further regulations of August 28TH 1943 abolished the national eagle decal and dictated that it was also to be removed from all helmets although the directives were not completely adhered to. 

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Helmet retains roughly 35% of its original tan camouflage over paint. The complete interior including the inside dome all received a coat of the original tan in the field. All three early brass liner retaining rivets and both ventilation bushings are intact. Original Luftwaffe blue/grey paint with numerous small scrapes and scuffs and spots of chafe wear is also still visible. Original eagle decal remains are still visible and the tri-color was painted around and is still quite complete. The interior of the helmet has an age and usage darkened leather M31 liner. The liner is fully intact with all the fingers and original size adjustment string. Liner is size marked 61. The reverse interior neck guard apron is lot number stamped, "34" and the interior left side apron has the stamped manufacturers code and size, "SE68", indicating manufacture by Sächsische Emaillier und Stanzwerke, AG Lauter, size 68. Rare original tropical in a huge size!

GRADE *** 3/4                             PRICE $2,975.00

To Order this item, please use one of the two e-mail addresses below to contact us. Please make sure to quote the item number in your e-mail

MILITARIA WANTED!  If you have items for sale, please contact us. We specialize in selling single pieces and entire collections. Over 3 decades in the business and we do all the work for you. Get the best return for your investment.

-E-Mail Address pawmac@nbnet.nb.ca  Or  guild@nb.aibn.com

To return to the main page please CLICK below