Germany, Ordnungspolizei. A Civil Police M34 Steel Helmet

(Ordnungspolizei M34 Stahlhelm). This is a very well-preserved Ordnungspolizei Civil Police M34 steel helmet, constructed of a black-painted magnetic metal shell. The helmet is flanked on each side by dual clusters of seven ventilation holes, with decals applied in between. The right decal consists of a NSDAP party emblem in the form of a red shield bearing a white disc overlaid by a black mobile swastika, measuring 32 mm (w) x 42 mm (h). The left decal consists of a black shield overlaid by an Ordnungspolizei eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, on top of an oval oak wreath, also measuring 32 mm (w) x 42 mm (h). Four rivets are evenly distributed around the circumference of the helmet, securing in place the interior fixtures The rim of the helmet is fully crimped, facilitating a smooth edge. The interior features four double-overlaid cork patches, held in place by the aforementioned rivets, with four blackened pebbled leather straps emanating from the patches. Affixed to the cork is a tan-coloured leather liner with nine fingers, each of which is stamped at the top with a hole through which is looped a drawstring with blackened magnetic metal end pieces. The forehead of the liner bears multiple rows of ventilation holes. The crown has a padded tan-coloured leather cushion, providing added protection for the wearer’s head. The liner has a blackened leather chinstrap, adjustable with a magnetic metal buckle. The shell is stamped on the interior with “D.R.P. Hale”, with a size stamp of “55” and an additional red stamp of “ABFING”. The helmet measures 225 mm (w) x 280 mm (l) x 150 mm (h). Some scratching is evident to the shell, with deterioration of the decals and material fatigue of the leather elements apparent. Additionally, one end of the chinstrap has been severed from the liner. The helmet is in an overall better than very fine condition.