Germany, Luftwaffe. An M40 Stahlhelm, Owner-Attributed Single Decal Version, by Eisenhüttenwerke Thale

(Luftwaffe Stahlhelm M40). A well-preserved Luftwaffe M40 Stahlhelm (steel helmet), constructed of a single sheet of magnetic molybdenum steel which retains some of its original slate-grey paint, defaced throughout the shell with mis-matched but period apple-green paint. Three flattened rivets are distributed around the outer circumference for the accommodation of the interior fixtures, while the shell is also flanked by integral ventilation holes. A decal remains visible on the left side of the shell just beneath the ventilation hole, and consists of a silver-grey Luftwaffe eagle with feathering and details highlighted in black, measuring 65 mm (w) x 35 mm (h) overall. The rim is fully crimped, providing a smooth edge around the skirt. A non-magnetic metal ring surrounds the interior of the shell, secured in place with the shell rivets, and accommodates an original blackened leather liner which culminates in eight fingers, each perforated with five ventilation holes and an additional eyelet throughout which is looped an original drawstring. The ring also retains two magnetic metal loops, formerly accommodating a chinstrap which has been lost to time. The left side of the shell is stamped with a code of “ET64”, indicating manufacture by Eisenhüttenwerke Thale A.G., with a shell size of 64. The back of the skirt is also stamped with a partially-legible heat code. The former is notably obscured by a handwritten owner’s surname of “TISCHER”, prefixed by an additional illegible inscription which is likely a rank. The helmet measures approximately 23 cm (w) x 27 cm (l) x 15 cm (h). In addition to period refurbishment of the paint and missing chinstrap, the shell demonstrates sporadic scratching and surface oxidation, with additional age-appropriate material fatigue to the interior liner. This field-worn helmet remains in a very fine condition.