Germany, Luftwaffe. An M35 Stahlhelm, Single Decal Example, by F.W. Quist

(Luftwaffe Stahlhelm M35). A well-preserved Luftwaffe M35 Stahlhelm (steel helmet), constructed of a single sheet of magnetic molybdenum steel which retains the vast majority of its original dark blue-grey pain. Three rivets are distributed around the outer circumference of the shell for the accommodation of the interior fixtures, while the crown is flanked by ventilation holes which are reinforced with crimped metal grommets. Directly below the right vent is a decal consisting of a shield executed in a Wehrmacht black, white, and red tricolour, measuring 32 mm (w) x 40 mm (h). Visible beneath the left vent is the outline of a Luftwaffe eagle decal, which has been removed with some disruption to the underlying paint. The rim is fully crimped, providing a smooth edge around the skirt. An aluminum ring surrounds the interior, fixed in place with the shell rivets, and accommodates an original brown leather liner which culminates in eight fingers, each perforated with five ventilation holes and an additional top eyelet for the inclusion of a drawstring which has been lost to time. Two aluminum loops descend from the sides of the ring for the inclusion of a chinstrap, which consists of two pieces of blackened leather fastening closed with an aluminum buckle. The left side of the skirt is stamped with a code of “Q64”, indicating manufacture by F.W. Quist, Esslingen, with a shell size of “64”. Also stamped onto the back of the skirt is a heat code of “4622”. The helmet measures approximately 22.5 cm (w) x 28 cm (l) x 15 cm (h). Sporadic scratching and loss of paint is visible to the shell, resulting in negligible surface oxidation, while the leather fixtures demonstrate age-appropriate material fatigue. This early Luftwaffe helmet remains in a better than very fine condition.