Helmet – M40 – SE64 – Ex medical helmet in “Normandy” 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 Heer (army)
Decal: Invisible under paint if any.
Paint: In total 2 layers.
1. Factory applied dull field gray or Feldgrau gray paint with rough aluminium oxide with possibly a factory applied Heer or Waffen-SS decal.
2. Field painted red crosses
3. A spray painted three tone so called Normandy camouflage.
Markings: SE64 333
Maker: Sächsische Emaillier und Stanzwerke A.G.
Size: Shellsize 64, headsize 56 cm
Batch number: 333
Year: 1940
Chinstrap: The chinstrap has been shortened, most likely due to wearer preference.
Notes: A stunning one looker camouflaged helmet! Before it was camouflaged it had 3 painted red crosses which indicates the helmet was worn by a medic or Sanitäter. The 3 red crosses peek nicely through the camouflage paint! The helmet is combat worn and retains up to 80% of its original “Normandy” camouflage paint. The helmet retains its original liner and chinstrap. The short piece of the chinstrap has been replaced during the war. The helmet is nicely named “Kaiser H.”.

A very nice one-looker camouflage helmet with a great interesting past with the red crosses under the paint!

Related posts:

Helmet – M40 – Coastal artillery – Geometrical camouflage Helmet – M35 – ET62 – Three tone “Normandy” camouflage Helmet – M35 – ET66 – Three tone camouflage Helmet – M35 – SE64 – Double decal heer in three tone “Normandy” camouflage