Germany, Ordnungspolizei. A Fire Police M34 Stahlhelm, Double Decal Version, by Eisenhüttenwerke Thale

(Feuerschutzpolizei Stahlhelm M34). A very well-preserved Feuerschutzpolizei (Fire Police) M34 Stahlhelm (steel helmet), constructed of a single sheet of magnetic molybdenum steel which retains the vast majority of its original black paint. Four flattened rivets are distributed around the outer circumference of the outer shell for the accommodation of the liner pins. The crown is flanked on each side by dual clusters of seven ventilation holes. Situated below the left vents is a fully-intact decal consisting of a black shield bearing a silver-grey Ordnungspolizei insignia in the form of an oval oak leaf wreath overlaid by a German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 35 mm (w) x 40 mm (h). Directly below the right vents is the remnant of a decal featuring a national emblem, in the form of a red shield defaced by a black mobile swastika, measuring 35 mm (w) x 40 mm (h), deliberately scratched out to permit post-war wear. The edge of the skirt is fully crimped, providing a smooth edge around the rim. The interior features a brown leather dome pad and integral liner of identical construction, the latter culminating in nine fingers, each perforated at the top with an eyelet for the inclusion of a drawstring which has been lost to time. Ventilation holes are perforated into the liner across the forehead. An original two-piece blackened leather chinstrap descends from the sides, and fastens closed with a functional magnetic metal buckle. Stamped onto the back of the skirt is a mark of “D.R.P. THALE”, indicating manufacture by Eisenhüttenwerke Thale, adjacent to a lot code of “A”. Stamped onto the liner is a size mark of “57”, while a handwritten owner’s name is also visible on the right. In addition to the erased decal, the shell demonstrates some scratching to the paint, some loosening is evident to the back left rivet, and minor material fatigue is visible to the leather elements. This early example remains in a better than very fine condition.