December 7th Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 154:
Description
A highly original WWII German M40 steel combat helmet bearing both the SS runes and national shields, retaining its wartime apple green finish and full interior fittings. The shell is stamped ET 66 Eisenhttenwerke Thale, size 66 with lot number 4369, placing production circa 1940 – 41. Both decals are period-applied and exhibit authentic toning beneath the paint surface Ñ the runic shield on the right side remaining strong and well-defined, while the national tricolor retains partial red and black tones under an aged surface.
The helmet retains its complete leather liner assembly, showing darkened wear from use, and the original full-length chinstrap secured by aluminum liner bales. The exterior paint exhibits an undisturbed patina with light abrasions and minor oxidation, consistent with age and service. This configuration represents a classic field-worn early-war Waffen-SS issue helmet prior to the 1943 directive eliminating the national shield.
A very desirable and well-preserved example of an original double-decal SS combat helmet, suitable for advanced collections of WWII militaria or museum display.
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