Germany, Heer. An M42 Stahlhelm, Canadian Serviceman Retrieval, by Eisenhüttenwerke Thale

(Heer Stahlhelm M42). An interesting Heer M42 Stahlhelm (steel helmet), constructed of a single sheet of magnetic molybdenum steel which retains much of its original apple-green paint. Three rivets are distributed around the outer circumference of the shell for the inclusion of the liner pins, while the crown is flanked on each side by an integral ventilation hole. The rim remains fully uncrimped in standard M42 configuration. The interior is surrounded by a metal liner band, fixed in place with the shell rivets, for the accommodation of a brown leather liner. The former culminates in eight fingers, each perforated with five ventilation holes and an additional eyelet for the inclusion of a drawstring. Magnetic metal loops descend from the sides of the band for the addition of a chinstrap, the partial remnants of which are included. Stamped onto the back of the skirt is a code of “CKL66”, indicating manufacture by Eisenhüttenwerke Thale, with a shell size of “66”, above a heat code of “5641”. Notably the left side of the liner shows a handwritten inscription of “CPL. D.W. MCCONKEY”, above a unit attribution of “THE R.C.R.” for the Royal Canadian Regiment, in turn flanked by a partially-legible R.C.R. company. The helmet measures approximately 24 cm (w) x 29.5 cm (l) x 15 cm (h). Issues consistent with age and field wear are evident, and include moderate scratching and loss of paint throughout the shell, resulting in minor surface oxidation, with fatigue to the liner, partial loss of the chinstrap, and loosening of the liner pins. A battlefield souvenir retrieved in-theatre by a Canadian serviceman, with full name and unit attribution, this superb example of a wartime memento remains in a very fine condition.