Helmet – M38 Fallschirmjäger – ET68 single 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: Luftwaffe M38 (Fallschirmjäger)
Decal: Single Luftwaffe decal
Paint: Factory applied dull field Feldgrau or gray paint with rough aluminium oxide.
Markings: ET68 719
Maker: Eisen- u. Huettenwerke, Thale, Harz
Size: Shellsize 68, headsize 58 cm
Batch number: 719
Year: 1940
Notes: This is a early Fallschirmjäger helmet. Issued with a single Luftwaffe decal and finished in a rough field gray factory paint. This helmet is a typical early to mid war type with vented steel bolts. and has the early type dome padding in light grey colour. Probably one of the first helmets to be finished in Feldgrau after the green helmets.
