Helmet – M40 – NS66 – Splotch camouflage with fieldmade camouflage band
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: Heer M40
Decal: The lot number suggests this once was a single decal Heer helmet, though this does not show due to the thick camouflage paint.
Paint: Factory applied dull field gray paint with rough aluminium oxide.
Markings: NS66 – DN24
Maker: Vereinigte Deutsche Nikelwerke, Schwerte.
Size: Shellsize 66, headsize 59 cm
Batch number: DN24
Notes: This helmet is a so called woodwork find from Arnhem, The Netherlands. The elastic band was found inside the helmet, behind the liner and fits perfectly to the helmet.
H. Vos collection
