Germany, Heer. A Rare Tropical M35 Stahlhelm, by Emaillierwerke AG

(Heer Tropen Stahlhelm M35). A rare Heer tropical M35 Stahlhelm (steel helmet), constructed of a single sheet of magnetic molybdenum steel which bears a layer of wartime-compatible light khaki-tan paint over its original apple-green base layer. Three rivets are distributed around the outer circumference for the accommodation of the interior fixtures, while the crown is also flanked on each side by ventilation holes with crimped grommets. The rim of the skirt is fully crimped, providing a smooth edge throughout. An aluminum ring surrounds the interior of the crown, fixed in position with the shell rivets, and accommodates a 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. Aluminum loops descend from the sides of the ring for the accommodation of a chinstrap which has been lost to time. The right side of the skirt is stamped with a partially-legible code of “EF64”, indicating manufacture by Emaillierwerke AG, Fulda, with a shell size of 64, while heat code of “1960” is stamped onto the back of the skirt. A manufacturer's stamp is also visible on the crown. The helmet measures approximately 23 cm (w) x 28 cm (l) x 14.5 cm (h). Issues consistent with age and field wear are evident, and include consistent loss of paint throughout the exterior of the shell (exposing the apple-green paint and base metal, the latter resulting in minor surface oxidation), deterioration of the liner, and the loss of both the chinstrap and drawstring. This scarce example of a Heer tropical helmet, likely worn by a member of the Afrikakorps, remains in a very fine condition.