December 7th Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 151:
Description
This lot features a scarce and highly desirable German Model 1935 M35 Single Decal Army Heer Combat Helmet enhanced with a period, field-applied wire camouflage system. The M35 model is recognized for its rolled shell edge and separate ventilation grommets, indicating an authentic early-war manufacture.
The helmet shell carries stamped markings that identify its origin: the manufacturer is indicated by -IN280- on the wearer s left interior skirt likely an inspector or assembly mark, but often mistaken for a manufacturer code, which typically consists of letters and size, e.g., Q64 or SE64 . The lot number, stamped into the rear interior skirt, is 904 . Research suggests that genuine lot numbers in the 900 range often correspond to shells made by SE Schsische Emailler- und Stanzewerke or ET Eisenhttenwerke Thale in smaller shell sizes, which is consistent with the likely size of this piece.
The helmet retains its original, smooth field gray-green paint, which is partially visible beneath the heavy, field-applied wire camouflage. This chicken-wire style is secured around the rim and over the dome, showing authentic rust and patina that indicates it has been in place for decades. This wire was a common soldier modification used to secure foliage for camouflage and to break up the helmet s recognizable silhouette in the field.
The helmet was originally a Single Decal SD Army Heer variant, though the faint trace of the Wehrmacht Army Eagle decal is now largely obscured or covered by the paint and wire, a common outcome for field-camouflaged helmets.
The interior is complete with its original perforated leather liner, which exhibits genuine signs of heavy use, drying, and darkening consistent with a combat relic. A significant and collectible feature is the soldierÕs clear, handwritten name, ÒST. John.Ó marked on the leather liner. This personalized naming greatly enhances the helmet s historical value and provenance. The liner is secured by the original aluminum liner band, typical of early-war M35s. The chinstrap bales are present, though the original chinstrap is not included.
This M35 wire camouflage helmet, with its identifiable shell marks, early-war features, and soldier s handwritten name, is an outstanding example of a personalized piece of World War II combat gear.
Share this lot:
