Norway, Kingdom. A Repurposed M40 Steel Helmet, by Eisenhüttenwerk Thale

An interesting and well-preserved German-made M40 Stahlhelm (Steel Helmet), repurposed for use in the postwar period by the Norwegian Armed Forces. It is constructed of a magnetic molybdenum steel shell with olive-drab replacement paint. Three rivets are distributed around the outer circumference of the shell to secure the interior features in place. It is also flanked by integral ventilation holes, each situated above replacement decals consisting of white and black Norwegian coats of arms, each measuring 30 mm (w) x 55 mm (h). The interior features an aluminum ring secured in place with the aforementioned rivets, accommodating a brown leather liner which culminates in eight fingers, each of which is perforated with five ventilation holes and an additional eyelet through which is looped a drawstring. A size mark of “56” is stamped onto the liner, just above an illegible handwritten owner’s name. Also emanating from the ring are two loops for a drawstring which has been lost to time. The interior of the skirt is stamped with a maker’s mark of “ET64”, indicating manufacture by Eisenhüttenwerk Thale and a shell size of 64. The back is further stamped with a heat code of “974”. It measures approximately 23 cm (w) x 28.5 cm (l) x 13 cm (h). In addition to the missing chinstrap the helmet demonstrates some loss of paint and signs of refurbishment consistent with conversion to postwar Norwegian service, but remains in better than very fine condition.