Germany, Wehrmacht. An M35 Stahlhelm, Branch-Repurposed and Owner-Attributed Example, by Emaillierwerke A.G. of Fulda

(Wehrmacht Stahlhelm M35). A well-preserved Wehrmacht M35 Stahlhelm (steel helmet), constructed of a single sheet of magnetic molybdenum steel which retains the majority of its original apple-green paint. Three rivets are distributed around the outer circumference for the accommodation of the liner pins, while the crown is flanked by ventilation holes which are reinforced with crimped metal grommets. The remnants of decals are visible below each vent, demonstrating evidence of period removal and with the remnant colour scheme of the left decal suggesting possible SS issue. The edge of the skirt is fully crimped for a smooth rim. A magnetic 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 a drawstring. The ring is also flanked by aluminum loops which accommodate a two-piece leather chinstrap which fastens closed with a magnetic metal buckle. Stamped onto the left side of the skirt is a code of “EF62”, indicating manufacture by Emaillierwerke A.G., Fulda, with a shell size of 62. A heat code of “1310” is also visible on the back of the skirt. Notably, a partially-legible handwritten owner’s name is visible on the front of the liner, and appears to indicate a rank of Gefreiter, along with a likely Feldpost number of “12264” (used by various incarnations of Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 139 from January 1940 until July 1944). A hand-painted white presumed owner’s name has been deliberately etched out of the skirt, possibly consistent with reissue (as indicated by the decals). The helmet measures approximately 22 cm (w) x 27 cm (l) 15.5 cm (h). In addition to the erased decals, the shell demonstrates moderate scratching and loss of paint, with additional fatigue visible to the leather fixtures. This interesting helmet remains in a better than very fine condition.