Germany, Wehrmacht. An M40 Stahlhelm, Refurbished, by Vereinigte Deutsche Nickelwerke

(Wehrmacht Stahlhelm M40). A Wehrmacht M40 Stahlhelm, constructed of magnetic molybdenum steel shell. The exterior is finished in a three-tone spray camouflage, with a mottle consisting of a predominantly light brown base overlaid by dark brown and olive-drab, demonstrating evidence of possible postwar refurbishment or replacement. Three rivets are distributed around the outer shell to secure the interior fixtures in place The crown is flanked by additional integral ventilation shafts. The rim is fully crimped, providing a smooth edge around the circumference. An aluminum ring surrounds the interior of the crown, and accommodates a brown leather liner culminating in eight leather fingers, each in turn perforated with five ventilation holes and an additional hole near the top edge, with the latter retaining a drawstring. Also emanating from the ring are two magnetic metal loops which feature a two-piece blackened leather chinstrap, one end of which is perforated with 13 eyelets meeting a magnetic metal buckle on its counterpart for an adjustable fit. Stamped onto the interior of the left skirt is a maker’s code of “NS66”, indicating manufacture by Vereinigte Deutsche Nickelwerke, Schwerte, with a shell size of 66. The back of the score bears an additional production stamp of “0166”. A liner size of “58” is also stamped onto one of the fingers in black ink. In addition to the possible restoration of the exterior camouflage the helmet demonstrates further signs of age and field use, including deterioration of the interior liner resulting in the loss of two of the fingers, wear of the chinstrap, and signs of replacement of the interior ring. A field-used example and superb display piece, the helmet remains in a very fine condition.