December 7th Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 178:
Description
A superb and completely original early production German Luftwaffe Fallschirmjager single decal M38 paratrooper helmet, featuring the desirable early first pattern configuration with large slotted vent bolts and thick rolled edge. Finished in the original Luftwaffe blue-gray paint, the helmet retains nearly all of its wartime-applied surface with a light, even patina from age and handling. The silver Luftwaffe eagle decal on the left side remains exceptionally well-preserved, with sharp detail and toning consistent with age, indicative of a genuine early application beneath factory lacquer. LOT 5050…Size and Maker ET68.
The interior displays its complete original paratrooper liner system, consisting of tan leather with integral padding and rubberized impact pads beneath. The liner is fully ink-stamped with manufacturer information, size, and contract markings, including Kopfweite Gr. 56, Stahlhelm Gr. 68, and the liner maker ÒBaumeister Berlin C2. The leather shows light field wear and beautiful, even aging while remaining supple and intact. The original four-point leather chinstrap assembly, complete with early war aluminum fittings and quick-release hardware, remains attached and in excellent condition, showing only minor surface creasing and oxidation to the snaps.
This example represents the earliest form of the Luftwaffe’s specialized paratrooper helmet, developed for use by elite Fallschirmjager units. These helmets were produced in limited numbers before wartime simplifications and remain among the most desirable and recognizable German combat helmets of the Second World War.
A remarkably clean and textbook early M38 paratrooper helmet, showing complete originality throughout and exhibiting only minor age patina with no restorations or alterations.
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