Germany, Luftwaffe. A Fallschirmjäger M38 Steel Helmet Shell, with Tropical Camouflage

(Luftwaffe Stahlhelm M38 für Fallschirmjäger mit Tropenlackierung). A rare and batle-worn Luftwaffe Fallschirmjäger M38 steel helmet shell, constructed of magnetic molybdenum steel. The exterior features a hand-painted, distressed, khaki-tan camouflage for use in tropical conditions in both the North African and Mediterranean campaigns. Four eyelets are distributed around the outer circumference for the accommodation of ventilation shafts and spanner bolts, all of which have been lost to time. The outline of a Luftwaffe decal is visible directly beneath the left side ventilation hole, and has been deliberately painted over. The interior is empty and lacks all original fixtures, with a replacement slate-grey paint applied throughout. In addition to the missing hardware, the helmet demonstrates other issues consistent with age and field use, including sporadic scratching of the shell and moderate surface oxidation of the interior which, in conjunction with the replacement paint, obscures any marks on the shell. A superb Fallschirmjäger memento in very fine condition.