Germany, Heer. An M42 Stahlhelm, Single Decal Version, by Eisenhüttenwerke Thale

(Heer Stahlhelm M42). A very well-preserved Heer M42 Stahlhelm (steel helmet), constructed of a single sheet of magnetic molybdenum steel which retains the vast majority of its original apple-green paint. Three rivets are distributed around the outer circumference of the shell for the accommodation of the interior fixtures, while the crown is flanked on each side by integral ventilation holes. 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 remains uncrimped in standard M42 format. A metal ring surrounds the interior of the crown, and retains a brown leather liner which culminates in eight fingers, each perforated with five ventilation holes and an additional top eyelet throughout which is looped a drawstring. Magnetic metal loops descend from the sides of the ring for the inclusion of a multi-piece blackened leather chinstrap, itself adjusted with a functional magnetic metal buckle. Stamped onto the left side of the skirt is a code of “ET66”, indicating manufacture by Eisenhüttenwerke Thale, with a shell size of 66, while a heat code of “1066” is stamped onto the back of the skirt. An additional liner size mark of “56” is stamped onto a left side finger in black ink. The helmet measures approximately 25 cm (w) x 29 cm (l) x 15 cm (h). Minor scratching is visible throughout the base metal of the shell (while the paint remains remarkably well-intact overall), and some material fatigue is visible to the leather elements, which includes the deterioration of two of the back fingers. This untouched mid- to late-war example remains in an extremely fine condition.