A single decal Army (Heer) re-issue, ex-Norway steel helmet by Sächische Emailles und Stanzwewerke. The helmet is crafted of sheets of molybdenum steel (magnetic) with original coarsely textured matte field green exterior, inserted air vents on either side, and a Wehrmacht Eagle decal on the left side. The inside is also painted in a coarsely textured matte field green and comes complete with its eight-panel butterscotch-coloured leather liner, each with five ventilation holes, and an additional hole at the tip for the drawstring, which is missing from this otherwise complete helmet. The original two-piece leather chin strap is perfectly intact with some cracking from wear and age. The steel buckles of the chin strap are firmly attached to the liner’s steel frame of the helmet with its original pins. The underside of the skirt is stamped “4778” and “SE64” (Sächische Emailles u. Stanzwewerke, Size 64) immediately below. The leather is also marked “55” with “Weissensee 217G1” handwritten on the right side of the liner. The helmet measures 281 mm x 231 mm. The paint on the interior is near perfectly preserved with only minor scuffs. The paint on the exterior is also very well preserved with scratches and marks from age and wear, with a single Wehrmacht eagle being approximately 40% intact. There is moderate soiling from sweat and overall wear on the leather. The chin strap shows moderate cracks on the inward facing side from use. Overall in near extremely fine condition.
Footnote: The M35 Stahlhelm came into Wehrmacht service in 1935 and was visually very similar to the M17 helmet that was used during the ending phases of the First War. However, some improvements were made; the shape was slightly changed and a different steel alloy was used to reduce the overall weight of the helmet. The interior leather liner was improved and a new strap was introduced to improve durability and comfort. Signature to the M35 helmet is the rolled edge along the rim and inserted grommet-type air vents. (C:104)