Hungary, Regency. An M38 Steel Helmet, Finnish Export Example, by MÁVAG

A well-preserved Hungarian M35 (more commonly referred to as an M38 helmet in collector circles when fitted with the rear pack attachment loop) steel helmet, constructed of a single sheet of magnetic molybdenum steel which retains the majority of a period field-grey paint scheme. Three liner pins are distributed around the outer circumference, while the sides are flanked by studs which accommodate anchors for the chinstrap. The crown is also flanked by ventilation holes with crimped grommets. Notably, a white hand-painted skull and bones is visible on the peak, indicating use by the Finnish 46th Infantry Regiment during the Continuation War of 1941-1944, as part of a large batch purchased by the Finnish government from Hungarian stocks. The edge of the skirt is fully crimped for a smooth rim. A rigid rigid surrounds the interior of the crown and is topped by a foam liner, in turn retaining an original tan-coloured leather liner which culminates in nine fingers, each perforated at the top with eyelets which accommodate an original drawstring. The shell studs retain an original blackened leather chinstrap which fastens closed with a metal buckle. Stamped onto the back of the skirt is a code of “DM” indicating production by Magyar Királyi Állami Vas-, Acél- és Gépgyárak or “MÁVAG”, with a shell size of “62”. The helmet measures approximately 23 cm (w) x 27 cm (l) x 14 cm (h). Demonstrating only minor signs of wear and fatigue, this interesting example of wartime collaboration between German-allied nations remains in an extremely fine condition.