Germany, Luftwaffe. An M40 Stahlhelm, Allied Retrieval from France, by F.W. Quist

(Luftwaffe Stahlhelm M40). An interesting Luftwaffe M40 Stahlhelm (steel helmet), constructed of a single sheet of magnetic molybdenum steel mottled green exterior paint scheme. Three rivets are distributed around the outer circumference, while the shell is also flanked by dual integral ventilation holes. Directly below the left vent is the clearly-visible outline of an original Luftwaffe decal measuring 65 mm (w) x 35 mm (h). Notable, the back right side of the skirt bears a hand-etched inscription of “FRANCE 1944”, indicating a helmet retrieved from a Luftwaffe soldier (likely attached to the Field Divisions) by an Allied serviceman. A metal ring surrounds the interior, fixed in position with the shell rivets, and 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. Dual magnetic metal loops descend from the sides of the ring and retain an original two-piece leather chinstrap which closes with a functional aluminum buckle. The interior displays the helmet’s factory-original dark grey paint scheme. Stamped onto the left side of the skirt is a code “Q66”, indicating manufacture by F.W. Quist, Esslingen, with a shell size of 66. A heat code of “171” is stamped onto the back of the skirt. The helmet measures approximately 23.5 cm (w) x 28.5 cm (l) x 16 cm (h). Issues consistent with age and field wear are evident, and include moderate loss of paint resulting in some surface oxidation to the shell, loosening of the rivets, and fatigue of the leather fixtures. An unusual battlefield-collected example taken as a souvenir of the Allied advance through France, this helmet remains in a very fine condition.