Original German WWII Extra Large Army Heer M40 Single Decal Steel Helmet with 1939 Dated 60cm Liner - Stamped Q68

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice all original example of a German WWII M40 helmet, issued to the Heer (Army). This stamped sheet steel construction helmet retains about 80% of its original panzergrau (armored gray) paint, but does show some chipping, scratches, and rust, typical of a helmet that was used in the field. It also appears that the entire exterior of the helmet was coated with clear enamel lacquer during the war to protect it, and this has yellowed considerably over the years, changing the perceived color of the paint and decals. The left side of the helmet features a Heer eagle decal, which is retained about 80%, showing a partial scratch through the center, and light overall wear. It still has a lovely metallic sheen, and the shell overall has a great used look that is impossible to duplicate!

The reverse, interior, neck guard apron is lot number stamped 7309 right by the "battle damage" and the interior, left side, apron has the stamped manufacturer's code and size Q68, indicating that it was manufactured by F.W. Quist G.m.b.H. in the German city of Esslingen. Size 68 is a rare extra large size that can accommodate liners from 60cm to 61cm or US 7 1/2 to 7 5/8. Size 68 shells are the hardest to find and are therefore more valuable to a collector.

All three liner retaining pins are intact, and retain the original paint very well, showing just a it of flaking. The interior of the helmet still has the original M31 leather liner, with all eight of the original fingers intact, though the leather definitely shows wear. There is wear and cracking on the edge of the liner, and it is relatively dark in color from staining. The liner band is aluminum, with square aluminum chin strap loops attached to reinforced sides. This is the last pattern before the move to galvanized steel bands, as aluminum was scarce. The left side of the band is marked with 68 n.A. / 60, indicating that it is a size 60 liner for a size 68 shell. It is also maker marked and dated on the other side:

SCHUBERTH - WERK K.-G.
D.R.P.
1939
BRAUNSCHWEIG

This fits right into the immediate pre-war period, with the helmet probably being made right during the changeover to the Panzergrau paint. There is just a bit remaining of the chinstrap on one side, with an aluminum retainind stud.

Overall a very nice 100% genuine M40 Single Decal Heer Army helmet, with a great "been there" look! M40 helmets of this quality are always the hard to find on the market. This is an item that will only continue to appreciate in value over time.

The first "modern" steel helmets were introduced by the French army in early 1915 and were shortly followed by the British army later that year. With plans on the drawing board, experimental helmets in the field, ("Gaede" helmet), and some captured French and British helmets the German army began tests for their own steel helmet at the Kummersdorf Proving Grounds in November, and in the field in December 1915. An acceptable pattern was developed and approved and production began at Eisen-und Hüttenwerke, AG Thale/Harz, (Iron and Foundry Works), in the spring of 1916.

These first modern M16 helmets evolved into the M18 helmets by the end of WWI. The M16 and M18 helmets remained in usage through-out the Weimar Reichswehr, (National Defence Force, Circa 1919-1933), era and on into the early years of the Third Reich until the development of the smaller, lighter M35 style helmet in June 1935.

In 1934 tests began on an improved Stahlhelm, whose design was a development of World War I models. The Eisenhüttenwerke company of Thale carried out prototype design and testing, with Dr. Friedrich Schwerd once again taking a hand.

The new helmet was pressed from sheets of molybdenum steel in several stages. The size of the flared visor and skirt was reduced, and the large projecting lugs for the obsolete armor shield were eliminated. The ventilator holes were retained, but were set in smaller hollow rivets mounted to the helmet's shell. The edges of the shell were rolled over, creating a smooth edge along the helmet. Finally, a completely new leather suspension, or liner, was incorporated that greatly improved the helmet's safety, adjustability, and comfort for each wearer. These improvements made the new M1935 helmet lighter, more compact, and more comfortable to wear than the previous designs.

The Army's Supreme Command officially accepted the new helmet on June 25, 1935 and it was intended to replace all other helmets in service.

More than 1 million M1935 helmets were manufactured in the first two years after its introduction, and millions more were produced until 1940 when the basic design and production methods were changed, replacing the multi-piece riveted vent with one stamped directly into the steel. Later, in 1942 the rolled steel rim was removed from the pattern to further expedite production.