Helmet – M35 – ET64 – Camouflaged Kriegsmarine ex double decal
Arguably the helmet was the most recognizable part of the individual German soldiers appearance. With a design that derived from the type used in world war one, the German helmet offered more protection then ones used by it’s enemies. The quality field gray painted steel helmet with two decals and rolled steel rim and leather liner was a labor intensive product and simplified as the war progressed. The earliest model helmet used in world war two was the model 35 or M35 Stahlhelm. During the war the helmet was simplified in 2 stages. In 1940 the airvents changed from separate rivets affixed to the helmet shell to stamped in the main body of the shell. In 1942 a new model was introduced where the rim of the shell was left sharp and not rolled over as previous models. These models are known in the collector community as M40 and M42. The low sides that protect the neck and ears, the tell tale design that the Germans introduced in 1935 can still be seen in modern day army helmets.
Model: M35 Kriegsmarine (navy)
Decal: Kriegsmarine
Paint:1. Factory applied dull olive paint
Markings: ET64
Shell Maker: Eisenhüttenwerke, Thale.
Size: Shellsize 64, headsize 57 cm
Batch number: 4936
Notes: A stunning woodwork ET64 M35 Kriegsmarine camouflage helmet found in the Batterie Vineta, Hoek van Holland. The helmet was picked up by a boy right after the war and has only been in one collection ever since. The helmet is in great condition with over 90% of the tan camouflage paint remaining. The original ET Kriegsmarine decal is still 100%, partially obscured by green camouflage paint. The decal has the thin black border around the eagle and the swastika has a strong, deep golden tint as would be expected of a Kriegsmarine decal. The tricolor decal has been removed, as per regulation in 1940. The back skirt is nicely named to Hernez on top of the lot number 4936. The helmet is a great example of a Coastal Artillery camouflage helmet and it would be very hard to upgrade. Especially with the provenance of the helmet being picked up from a certain (and famous) Coastal Artillery Battery Vineta in Hoek van Holland, the Netherlands. This helmet would be a prime piece in any coastal artillery collector!
