Helmet – M42 – hkp64 – Three tone “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
Decal: Heer underneath the Normandy camouflage
Paint: Factory applied field grey paint with Normandy camouflage overpaint.
Markings: hkp64
Maker: Sächsische Emaillier und Stanzwerke A.G.
Size: Shellsize 64, headsize 56 cm
Year: 1943-1944
Notes: A one looker original M42 camouflage helmet found in Heeswijk-Dinther, the Netherlands. On Hells Highway where the 101st Airborne division fought viciously in during operation Market Garden. The helmet is in good, strong used condition and still retains its original rivets, liner and chinstrap. Between the liner in the back one can see the ring of a helmet net. The helmet is a size 64, made by hkp and with a nice late war pigskin liner. The camouflage still retains up to 75% and the helmet is a true, one looker, three tone “Normandy” camouflage. Hard to upgrade!
