Germany, Heer. An M40 Stahlhelm, with Camouflage Paint and Netting, by Sächsische Emaillier und Stanzwerke

(Heer Stahlhelm M40 - Tarnlackierung). A superb Heer M40 Stahlhelm (steel helmet), constructed of a single sheet of magnetic molybdenum steel. The exterior is finished in a period, hand-painted camouflage scheme consisting of a dark green base with irregular brown and off-white splotches, while a crude wire netting allows for the addition of foliage. Three rivets are distributed around the outer circumference of the shell for the accommodation of the interior fixtures, while the crown is flanked on each side by integral ventilation holes. The rim is fully crimped, providing a smooth edge throughout the skirt. An aluminum ring surrounds the interior of the crown, fixed in place with the shell rivets, and retains an original brown leather liner which culminates in eight fingers, each perforated with five ventilation holes and additional eyelets which retain a period drawstring. Two aluminum loops descend from the sides of the ring for the inclusion of a black leather chinstrap, adjusted with a functional magnetic metal buckle. Stamped onto the right side of the skirt is a code of “SE62”, indicating manufacture by Sächsische Emaillier und Stanzwerke, with a shell size of 62. An illegible heat code is stamped onto the back of the skirt, while the chinstrap bears a stamped inscription which appears to be an owner’s name of “G. SINGE”. The helmet measures approximately 22.5 cm (w) x 27 cm (l) x 16.5 cm (h). Minor issues consistent with age, wear, and field-modification are evident, including some gouging to the base metal by the wire netting and desiccation of the leather elements. A wonderful example of a user-modified camouflage helmet recovered from a wartime trove near Vienna, this helmet remains in a near extremely fine condition.