Helmet – M42 – NS64 – Woodchip 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: Heer / Kriegsmarine / Luftwaffe M42
Paint: Factory applied dull field gray paint with rough aluminium oxide overpainted in green camouflage paint mixed with wood chips
Markings: NS64
Maker: Vereinigte Deutsche Nikelwerke, Schwerte.
Size: Shellsize 64, headsize 57 cm
Notes: A stunning “out of the woodwork” named M42 Woodchip camouflage helmet. The helmet is marked NS64 indicating production by Vereinigte Deutsche Nikelwerke, Schwerte. The helmet has been painted over in a rough field gray paint with woodchips through the paint for extra texture. This paint can also be seen on parts of the liner. The inside is dusty and is still in untouched, as found condition. The name Clahsen can be seen on the inside.
