Helmet – M35 – ET64 – Double decal Luftwaffe – Turtle camouflage
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 Luftwaffe
Decal: Double decal, one Luftwaffe and one national decal
Paint: 2 layers:
1. Factory applied blue Luftwaffe paint
2. Three-tone turtle shaped camouflage
Markings: ET64 and 3838
Chinstrap: Blackened leather
Shell maker: ET which indicates production by Eisenhüttenwerke, Thale.
Size: Shellsize 64, headsize 56 cm
Batch number: 3838
Year: 1935-1940
Notes: Luftwaffe M35 double decal camouflage helmet found in Leersum, the Netherlands. The helmet retains 90% of its three-tone turtle-like camouflage scheme with bright and vibrant colours. Easily seen are the two Luftwaffedecals peeking through the paint! Also the helmet retains its original liner and chinstrap in good untouched condition.
