Germany, Heer. An M35 Stahlhelm, Double Decal Version, by Sächsische Emailler-und Stanzewerke

(Heer Stahlhelm M35). A Heer M35 Stahlhelm (steel helmet), constructed of a single sheet of magnetic molybdenum steel which retains most 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 a ventilation hole reinforced with a crimped grommet. Decals measuring 32 mm (w) x 38 mm (h) are situated just below the vents, with the left side consisting of a black shield bearing a silver-grey Heer-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, and the right side consisting of a black, white, and red Wehrmacht tri-colour.  The rim of the helmet is fully crimped, providing a smooth edge throughout the skirt. A two-piece aluminum and magnetic metal ring surrounds the interior, fixed in place with the shell rivets, and retains a partially-intact brown leather liner. Aluminum loops descend from the ring for the inclusion of a blackened leather chinstrap. Stamped onto the left side of the skirt is a maker’s code of “SE64”, indicating manufacture by Sächsische Emailler-und Stanzewerke, Lauter, with a shell size of 64. Also stamped onto the back of the skirt is a heat code “4283”. The helmet measures approximately 23 cm (w) x 28 cm (l) x 14 cm (h). Moderate loss of paint is visible throughout the shell which has resulted in surface oxidation to the applicable areas, moderate to significant fatigue is evident to the leather fixtures, and the high level of preservation to the decals suggests later application. An early and field-worn example, this M35 helmet remains in a very fine condition.