Germany, Ordnungspolizei. A Fire Protection Police M34 Stahlhelm

(Feuerschutzpolizei Stahlhelm M34). A well-preserved Feuerschutzpolizei (Fire Protection Police) M34 Stahlhelm (steel helmet), constructed of a single sheet of magnetic molybdenum steel which retains the majority of its original black paint. Four rivets are distributed around the outer circumference for the accommodation of the liner pins, while the crown is also flanked on each side by dual sets of “salt and pepper” style ventilation holes, all consisting of seven clusters of eyelets. The crown is flanked on each side by decals, with the left side consisting of a black shield bearing a silver-grey Ordnungspolizei insignia, measuring 33 mm (w) x 40 mm (h), and the right side consisting of a shield bearing a national emblem, similarly measuring 33 mm (w) x 40 mm (h). The edge of the skirt is fully crimped for a smooth rim. Four pressed cork pads are affixed to the interior of the crown with the shell pins, retaining a brown leather liner which is perforated across the forehead with ventilation holes, and which culminates in nine fingers, each perforated at the top with an eyelet for the accommodation of a drawstring. A two-piece black leather chinstrap descends from the sides of the liner and adjusts with black metal buckles. A padded leather guard is affixed to the crown, and bears a size mark of “57”, with an identical size mark also visible on the liner. The helmet measures approximately 23.5 cm (w) x 29 cm (l) x 15.5 cm (h). Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and includes moderate loss of paint throughout the shell resulting in some surface oxidation, as well as fatigue to the leather which has severed the chinstrap. This untouched helmet remains in a very fine condition.