Germany, Luftwaffe. An M40 Stahlhelm, Double Decal and Owner-Attributed Example, by Eisenhüttenwerke Thale

(Luftwaffe Stahlhelm M40). A very well-preserved Luftwaffe M40 Stahlhelm (steel helmet), constructed of a magnetic molybdenum steel shell which retains the majority of its factory-original dark blue-grey paint. Three rivets are distributed around the outer circumference to secure the interior fixtures in position, while the shell is also flanked by two integral ventilation eyelets. A pair of decals are situated directly below the latter, with the left side featuring a silver Luftwaffe eagle clutching a mobile swastika, measuring 60 mm (w) x 40 mm (h) with feathering and details highlighted in black, while the right side features a shield measuring 35 mm (w) x 40 mm (h), executed in a Wehrmacht black, white, and red motif. The rim of the helmet is fully crimped, providing a smooth edge to the skirt. An aluminum ring surrounds the interior of the shell and retains an intact brown leather liner which culminates in eight fingers, each perforated with five ventilation holes and an additional eyelet through which is looped a drawstring. Two aluminum rings descend from the sides of the ring and retain an original two-piece chinstrap constructed of dark brown leather, one end of which is missing its buckle. Stamped onto the right side of the skirt is a mark of “ET64”, indicating manufacture by Eisenhüttenwerke, Thale, with a shell size of 64, while the back of the skirt bears a stamped heat lot code of “3001”. Notably, the liner bears a handwritten owner’s name of “N. MITZ”, flanked by swastikas. Measuring approximately 23 cm (w) x 28 cm (l) x 14 cm (h), the helmet demonstrates some issues consistent with age and field wear, including moderate loss of paint throughout the shell resulting in some surface oxidation, some scratching and deterioration of the decals, and minor material fatigue to the leather elements. A superb and owner-attributed example, this wartime example remains in a better than very fine condition.