Fall 2026 Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 462:
Description
Offered here is a WWII German Wehrmacht Heer Model 1940 steel combat helmet retaining its single Heer eagle-and-swastika decal, original-style M31 leather liner assembly, and leather chinstrap. The rear skirt is stamped with heat lot number "217," providing an important manufacturing reference associated with the shell’s production batch. Introduced in 1940 as a simplified successor to the M35, the M40 retained the familiar German Stahlhelm profile while incorporating several production changes intended to streamline manufacture. Most notably, the ventilation openings were pressed directly into the steel shell rather than employing the separately inserted vent bushings found on the M35. The ventilation opening visible on this helmet is consistent with M40 construction. M40 helmets were produced in enormous numbers and saw widespread service throughout the Second World War with German Army formations across Europe, North Africa, and the Eastern Front. The shell retains a dark field-grey finish with extensive age and service wear, including scattered oxidation, surface rust, abrasions, scratches, and areas of finish loss. The exterior presents a well-used, untouched appearance without evidence of modern refinishing. The left side retains the Heer eagle decal on its dark shield. Approximately 60-70 percent of the decal remains visible, with the eagle, wings, and swastika still readily identifiable despite surface wear, oxidation, and localized loss. The interior retains an eight-tongue perforated leather M31 liner mounted to its metal liner band, with the central drawstring remaining present. The leather exhibits substantial age-related darkening, creasing, surface wear, and minor deterioration consistent with long-term use and storage. A leather chinstrap with metal buckle remains fitted and shows age, wear, and finish loss to the hardware. The rear skirt is clearly stamped "217," representing the helmet’s heat lot or production batch number.
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