Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice all original example of a German Model 40 Steel helmet, as issued to the Wehrmacht Heer (army). As with many seen made later in the war, it was issued without any decal due to supply shortages, though it is possible that it was removed. After it was captured a USGI added swas "hook cross" painted insignia to both sides, however the one on the right side is reversed, something you would would not see on any official design. The paint used for the insignia definitely looks to be period, and has a lovely aged look to it. The feldgrau paint on the rest of the helmet is very well retained, showing wear and oxidation consistent with long service.

The shell is stamped with Q64 on the rear skirt above heat lot DN361, indicating that F.W. Quist G.m.b.H in Esslingen, Germany manufactured it. As the war progressed, Quist moved the size stamping to the rear to save production time, as did other makers. Quist also continued to produce the M40 until the end of the war, unlike other makers. Size 64 is a nice medium large size that can accommodate liners from 56cm to 57cm or US 7 to 7 1/8 . Size 64 shells are harder to find and are therefore more valuable to a collector.

All three liner retaining pins are intact, with the exterior paint well retained on all. The interior of the helmet still has the original M31 leather liner, which shows moderate use, having faded to a dark russet brown color, with a bit of flaking around the edges. All 8 fingers are fully intact, with the top securing string present, and a bit of the rear seam pulled. The late war issue galvanized steel liner band is marked on the left outer side with 64 n.A. / 57, indicating that the liner is a size 57, intended for a 64 shell. The right side displays the full manufacture information, as well as a date:

Metallwarenfabrik
1943
F. W. M.

The chinstrap for the helmet is stretched out and in relic condition. probably from being placed over the brim for a long period of time It tore through by the buckle on one side, though it looks like an attempt was made to reglue it at some point.

Overall an very nice USGI decorated M40 "No Decal" Heer Army helmet, with a great patina! M40 helmets of this quality are always the hardest to find on the market. This is an item that will only continue to appreciate in value over time.

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.

In 1934 tests began on an improved Stahlhelm, whose design was a development of World War I models. The Eisenhüttenwerke company of Thale carried out prototype design and testing, with Dr. Friedrich Schwerd once again taking a hand.

The new helmet was pressed from sheets of molybdenum steel in several stages. The size of the flared visor and skirt was reduced, and the large projecting lugs for the obsolete armor shield were eliminated. The ventilator holes were retained, but were set in smaller hollow rivets mounted to the helmet's shell. The edges of the shell were rolled over, creating a smooth edge along the helmet. Finally, a completely new leather suspension, or liner, was incorporated that greatly improved the helmet's safety, adjustability, and comfort for each wearer. These improvements made the new M1935 helmet lighter, more compact, and more comfortable to wear than the previous designs.

The Army's Supreme Command officially accepted the new helmet on June 25, 1935 and it was intended to replace all other helmets in service.

The M1935 design was slightly modified in 1940 to simplify its construction, the manufacturing process now incorporating more automated stamping methods. The principal change was to stamp the ventilator hole mounts directly onto the shell, rather than utilizing separate fittings. In other respects, the M1940 helmet was identical to the M1935. The Germans still referred to the M1940 as the M1935, while the M1940 designation were given by collectors.

The last wartime upgrade to the standard helmet took place on 6 July 1942 at the request of the Army High Command. The rolled edge found on M1935 and M1940 helmets was discontinued as a measure of economy. On 1 August 1942 the first M1942 helmets were placed into production, and this was the model produced until late in the war, when most factories were captured or stood idle due to material shortages.