Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice all original example Model 1935 German WW2 "double decal" helmet with a Luftwaffe Eagle decal on the left side, and a "National Colors" decal on the right. This stamped sheet steel construction helmet retains about 75% of the original blue-gray Luftwaffe paint and is in good condition overall. It does have a spot with no paint on the crown about 2 inches wide, as shown. The National Colors decal is retained at about 80%, with some chips and scratches from age and some wear. The Luftwaffe decal is probably around 75% as well, with chipping and scratching. All three liner retaining pins are intact, though only one still has most of its paint.

The reverse, interior, neck guard apron is serial number stamped 4287 and the interior, left side, apron has the stamped manufacturer's code and size, Q66 indicating that Quist in Esslingen, Germany manufactured it. Size 66 is a nice large size that can accommodate liners from 58cm to 59cm or US 7 1/4 to 7 3/8. Size 66 shells are harder to find and are therefore more valuable to a collector.

The helmet still has its correct good condition M31 liner with all of the 8 fingers intact. The liner also still has its original size adjustment string, though it is worn and stained. The liner band is the early aluminum type, with square bales. There is also a maker marking and date on the side in a circle:

The other side is marked 66 n.A / 59, which along with the 59 ink stamp, indicates this is a size 59 liner for a 66 shell. The liner is in good condition with signs of age, however the leather is still soft and pliable. The chinstrap is present, though it is worn and looks to have been cut down slightly.

Overall a very nice totally correct 100% genuine double decal M35 Luftwaffe helmet, ready to display!

The first "modern" steel helmets were introduced by the French army in early 1915 and were shortly followed by the British army later that year. With plans on the drawing board, experimental helmets in the field, ("Gaede" helmet), and some captured French and British helmets the German army began tests for their own steel helmet at the Kummersdorf Proving Grounds in November, and in the field in December 1915. An acceptable pattern was developed and approved and production began at Eisen-und Hüttenwerke, AG Thale/Harz, (Iron and Foundry Works), in the spring of 1916.

These first modern M16 helmets evolved into the M18 helmets by the end of WWI. The M16 and M18 helmets remained in usage through-out the Weimar Reichswehr, (National Defence Force, Circa 1919-1933), era and on into the early years of the Third Reich until the development of the smaller, lighter M35 style helmet in June 1935.

The Luftwaffe pattern national eagle was originally introduced for wear by Fliegerschaft, (Pilot Base), personnel of the DLV, Deutscher Luftsportsverband, (German Air Sports Association), the clandestine, civilian, forerunner of the Luftwaffe on August 18TH 1934, and adopted for wear by the Luftwaffe on March 1ST 1935 along with the national tri-color shield for wear on the helmet.

The first pattern national eagle was utilized until a modified second pattern eagle was introduced in late 1936 or early 1937. Regulations of June 12TH 1940 discontinued the use of the national tri-color decal and further regulations of August 28TH 1943 abolished the national eagle decal and dictated that it was also to be removed from all helmets although the directives were not completely adhered to.