Germany, Heer. A Wehrmacht Heer (Army) M42 Combat Helmet

(Wehrmacht Heer Stahlhelm). Instituted 1942. (Issued 1942-1945). Constructed of a single sheet of molybdenum steel (magnetic), painted in green paint on the interior and exterior. The exterior is adorned by chicken wire, constructed of a series of twisted wires that are webbed together to form a “chicken wire fence”. It features stamped air vents and a crude and unfinished edge along the entire helmet, making this a signature M42 helmet. The left side of the helmet features partial remains of a Wehrmacht decal. The interior has its original butter-scotch-coloured leather liner, constructed of eight leather panels, each with five ventilation holes, as well as an additional hole at the top of each panel for the drawstring to be fed through. The drawstring itself is constructed of twisted/embroidered white string, and appears to be original to the helmet. The chin strap is constructed of blackened leather, with its original metal hardware, and is securely fastened to the metal frame within the helmet. The underside of the skirt on the reverse is stamped “399”, with no other stamping apparent. The helmet measures 244 mm (w) x 287 mm (h). The exterior shows signs of wear, some rust stains from the chicken wire, as well as minor scrapes and paint transfer from storage. The interior depicts obvious signs of wear, with scratches to the paint, as well as signs of wear to the headliner and the strap from use and age. In good condition.