Germany, Ordnungspolizei. A Rare M35 Stahlhelm, Double-Decal and Owner-Attributed Version, by Vereinigte Deutsche Nickelwerke

(Polizei Stahlhelm M35 mit beiden Emblemen). An extremely well-preserved Police M35 Stahlhelm (steel helmet), constructed of a single sheet of magnetic molybdenum steel which retains the vast majority of its original apple-green paint. Three rivets are distributed around the circumference of the shell to accommodate the liner pins, while the crown is flanked by ventilation holes which are reinforced with crimped metal grommets. Directly below the left vent is a decal in the form of a black shield bearing a gold-toned silver Ordnungspolizei insignia in the form of an oval oak leaf wreath overlaid by a German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 32 mm (w) x 40 mm (h) and demonstrating the characteristics of a type found on helmets produced by Vereinigte Deutsche Nickelwerke. Situated below the right vent is a decal featuring a national emblem in the form of a red shield overlaid by a white disc bearing a black mobile swastika, measuring 32 mm (w) x 40 mm (h), and similarly demonstrating the characteristics of the same manufacturer. The skirt is fully crimped, providing a smooth edge throughout the rim. An aluminum ring surrounds the interior of the crown, fixed in place with the shell pins, and retains an original light brown leather liner which culminates in eight fingers, each perforated with five ventilation holes and an additional eyelet through which is looped a drawstring. Two aluminum loops descend from the sides of the ring for the accommodation of a chinstrap, which is constructed of blackened leather and adjusted with a functional aluminum buckle. Stamped onto the left side of the shell is a code of “N.S. 64”, indicating manufacture by Vereinigte Deutsche Nickelwerke, with a shell size of 64. The back of the skirt is stamped with a heat code of “D174”, while a dome stamp for 1938 remains clearly visible on the crown. Notably, the left side bears a hand-painted owner’s name of “MAYER W.” The helmet measures approximately 22.5 cm (w) x 28 cm (l) x 16 cm (h). Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include sporadic scratching to the shell, scuffs to both decals consistent with another helmet being stacked on top, some loosening of the right side rivet, and minor fatigue of the interior liner. This scarce and exceptionally well-presented example remains in an extremely fine condition.