Helmet – M42 – hkp66 – Luftwaffe tan/green brush painted 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: M42
Decal: Luftwaffe decal
Paint: Factory applied dull blue Luftwaffe paint with rough aluminium oxide overpainted in the field with a tan and green camouflage paint with sand and sawdust typically attributed to the Luftwaffe Felddivision or field division.
Markings: hkp66 15216
Maker: Sächsische Emaillier und Stanzwerke A.G.
Size: Shellsize 66, headsize 58 cm
Batch number: 15216
Year: 1942-1944
Notes:
This Luftwaffe single decal helmet was a woodwork find from Antwerp, Belgium. I’ve seen several helmets and camo gas masks with this same green paint. The helmet had a drop of white paint that was scratched off by the previous owner. The helmet was originally found without chinstrap which was added at a later point.
Otherwise a “untouched” camouflage with nice bright colours.
