Original German WWII Luftwaffe M35 Double Decal Steel Helmet with 1939 Dated Relic 58cm Liner & Chinstrap - stamped EF66

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice patinated all original example of a Model 1935 German WWII "Double Decal" helmet, with a Luftwaffe Eagle decal on the left side, and a "National Colors" decal on the right. The use of the second decal was discontinued in 1940, and in 1943 it was ordered that helmets with the national colors have them removed, so finding a helmet with both still intact is a real treat!

This stamped sheet steel construction helmet retains much of the original correct smooth semi-gloss blue-gray Luftwaffe fliegerblau (flyer's blue) used on early helmets, which would later become textured, however it has spotted surface rust over the entire surface. It has the look of a helmet that was probably exposed to moisture over a long period of time. The top of the helmet, where it was worn originally, has a bit more of this oxidation than other areas, however there are no major dents, cracks, or other catastrophic damage. Both decals have been impacted by the oxidation and paint damage, and now are retained at about 60%, showing flaking from age and wear, as well as some staining from the rust on the shell. This gives the helmet a fantastic aged look that is impossible to duplicate!

The reverse, interior, neck guard apron is lot number stamped 20402 and the interior, left side, apron has the stamped manufacturer's code and size EF66, indicating that it was manufactured by Emaillierwerke AG, of Fulda, Germany. Due to rust the latter of these markings is difficult to read and impossible to photograph, but it is definitely an EF66 marked helmet. Later in the war, the maker mark would be moved to the rear of the helmet. Size 66 is a nice large size that can accommodate liners from 58cm to 59cm or US 7 1/4 to 7 3/8. Size 66 shells are much harder to find and are therefore more valuable to a collector.

All three liner split pins are still intact, however they have nickel heads, so they have lost virtually all the paint, which does not adhere as well to the material. There is still an M-31 liner on the interior, however it is in relic condition, with most of the leather missing, and what remains in very delicate condition. 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. The left exterior of the liner band is marked 66 n.A / 58, indicating that this is a size 58 liner for a size 66 shell. The right side displays the full manufacture information, as well as a date:

Metall-Lederverarbeitung W.Z.
1939
Bln.- Ch'burg 5

This indicates production by the metal and leather working company Werner Zahn, based in Berlin - Charlottenburg, in the year 1939, which fits right into the pre-war period. This is exactly the right type of liner for this very early helmet.

The attached chinstrap is the correct early pattern with an aluminum buckle and attachment studs, however the leather is dark and shows much wear. It should definitely be handled with care as it is very delicate, and has been stretched over the front brim for decades.

Overall a totally correct 100% genuine well patinated double decal Luftwaffe helmet, ready to display! We do not get helmets like these very often at all. 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.

The Luftwaffe pattern national eagle was originally introduced for wear by Fliegerschaft, (Pilot Base), personnel of the DLV, Deutscher Luftsportsverband, (German Air Sports Association), the clandestine, civilian, forerunner of the Luftwaffe on August 18TH 1934, and adopted for wear by the Luftwaffe on March 1ST 1935 along with the national tri-color shield for wear on the helmet.

The first pattern national eagle was utilized until a modified second pattern eagle was introduced in late 1936 or early 1937. Regulations of June 12TH 1940 discontinued the use of the national tri-color decal and further regulations of August 28TH 1943 abolished the national eagle decal and dictated that it was also to be removed from all helmets although the directives were not completely adhered to.