Germany, Heer. An M18 Transitional Stahlhelm, Single Decal Version

(Heer Stahlhelm M18). A well-preserved Heer M18 transitional Stahlhelm (steel helmet), constructed of a sheet of magnetic molybdenum steel which retains most of its original apple-green paint. Three rivets are distributed around the out circumference for the accommodation of the interior fixtures, while the crown is also flanked by two protruding lugs which provide ventilation shafts. A decal has been applied to the left side directly below the lug, and consists of a black shield bearing a silver-grey Heer-style German national eagle clutching a mobile swastika, measuring 32 mm (w) x 38 mm (h). The rim of the skirt is crimped, providing a smooth edge throughout the rim. A metal ring surrounds the interior of the crown, fixed in position with the shell rivets, and accommodates a light brown leather liner which culminates in eight fingers, each perforated with five ventilation holes and an additional top eyelet through which is looped an original drawstring. Magnetic metal loops descend from the sides of the ring for the inclusion of a chinstrap which has been lost to time. The left side of the skirt is stamped with an illegible maker’s mark and shell size of “64”, while the liner bears a black ink size mark of “57”. The helmet measures approximately 23.5 cm (w) x 31 cm (l) x 16 cm (h). Sporadic scratching and chipping to the paint is evident, resulting in minor surface oxidation to the shell, while the interior liner demonstrates material fatigue and is likely a custom-fitted Wehrmacht period replacement. This superb example of a transitional helmet remains in a better than very fine condition.