Germany, Heer. A Rare Medic’s M40 Stahlhelm, Unit-Attributed Example, by Eisenhüttenwerke Thale

(Heer Stahlhelm M40 für Sanitäter). A rare and well-preserved Heer medic’s M40 Stahlhelm, constructed of a magnetic molybdenum steel shell. The exterior retains a wartime-applied layer of white paint, defaced across the forehead and back of the crown with red Geneva Crosses, situated over its original, factory-applied, apple-green base. Three rivets are distributed around the outer circumference to secure the interior fixtures in place, while the crown is also flanked on each side by an integral ventilation hole. The edge of the rim is fully crimped, providing a smooth edge. A magnetic metal ring surrounds the interior of the shell and is fastened with an additional aluminum ring. The latter retains an original brown leather liner which culminates in eight fingers, each perforated with five ventilation holes and an additional eyelet through which is looped an original drawstring. The ring is flanked by magnetic metal loops formerly accommodating a chinstrap which has been lost to time. The skirt is stamped with a code of “ET64”, indicating manufacture by Eisenhüttenwerk Thale, with a shell size of 64, while the liner bears a size mark of “56”. Notably, the lid is painted with a Feldpost code of “14606”, used by both 1. Kompanie and 3. Kompanie of Panzerjäger-Abteilung 87, 25. Panzer-Division, from 1943 and 1944, respectively. The helmet measures approximately 23 cm (w) x 28.5 cm (l) x 13.5 cm (h). In addition to the missing chinstrap, the exterior of the shell demonstrates scratching and fatigue to the paint consistent with field use and possible attempts to camouflage, while the interior liner shows age-appropriate wear. This rare helmet demonstrating a wartime-compatible medic’s paint scheme remains in a better than very fine condition.