Germany, Heer. An M35 Stahlhelm, Single Decal Version, by Vereinigte Deutsche Nikelwerke

(Heer Stahlhelm M35). A well-preserved Heer M35 Stahlhelm (steel helmet), constructed of a single sheet of magnetic molybdenum steel and retaining some of its original apple-green paint. 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. A decal is set in place directly below the left vent, and consists of a black shield bearing a silvered Heer-style German national eagle clutching a mobile swastika, measuring 30 mm (w) x 38 mm (h). The edge of the skirt is fully crimped, providing a smooth edge around the rim. An aluminum ring surrounds the interior, 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, with the latter retaining an original drawstring. Aluminum loops descend from the side of the ring for the inclusion of an original blackened leather chinstrap which fastens closed with a functional magnetic metal buckle. Stamped onto the left side of the skirt is a code of “NS64”, indicating manufacture by Vereinigte Deutsche Nikelwerke, Schwerte, with a shell size of 64. The liner is stamped with an additional size mark of “57”, while a handwritten owner’s surname of “MANKE” is also visible on the liner. The helmet measures approximately 23 cm (w) x 28 cm (l) x 15.5 cm (h). Issues consistent with age and field wear are evident, and include some scratching and loss of paint to the shell, with some restoration of paint visible (obscuring the right side tri-colour decal, with traces of red paint still visible), as well as some deterioration of the leather elements consequent to storage in damp of humid conditions. This M35 helmet remains in a better than very fine condition.