Helmet – M40 – Coastal artillery – Geometrical 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: M40 Kriegsmarine
Decal: Navy or Kriegsmarine
Paint: Several thick layers of paint topped with a geometrical three-tone camouflage paint
Markings: Unreadable due to the thick layers of paint!
Chinstrap: Blackened leather, shortened
Shell Maker: Probably NS which indicates production by Vereinigte Deutsche Nikelwerke, Schwerte.
Size: Unknown!
Batch number: Unreadable due to the thick layers of paint!
Year: 1940-1945
Notes: A brush painted three-tone geometrical camouflage helmet. Typical example of a geometrical camouflage helmet with bright colours. The helmet retains its original liner and chinstrap that are original to the helmet. The helmet shows several layers of paint which are topped with a geometrical camouflage pattern . The colours are vibrant and full of contrast! The helmet retains up to 95% of its original camouflage paint. The liner is named but it is hard to make out. The chinstrap is shortened but original to the helmet. The helmet was found years ago in Denmark and emerged from the woodwork after a newspaper ad. Due to the thick paint the shell markings are hard to see. The helmet is a M40, most probably NS production. For sure the best coastal artillery camouflage helmet I’ve found!
