Description
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: NS Heer Decal
Paint: In total 2 layers.
1. Factory applied dull field gray or Feldgrau gray paint with rough aluminium oxide with factory applied Heer decal.
2. A spray painted three tone so called Normandy camouflage.
Markings: NS64 D178
Maker: Vereinigte Deutsche Nikelwerke, Schwerte.
Size: Shellsize 64, headsize 56 cm
Batch number: D178
Year: 1940
Chinstrap: The chinstrap has been shortened, most likely due to wearer preference.
Notes: This helmet has a blood stain in the left side of the liner which can also be seen on the inside of the rim, where the metal in has rusted more then the rest of the helmet. The helmet is named two times. One time a ink marking on the liner to Obgf.(Obergefreiter) Saüter, and later in the rim of the helmet after he was promoted the painted marking Uffz.(Unteroffizier) Saüter.