Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good condition all original example of a German WWII M35 helmet shell, as issued to the Heer (Army), with very desirable "Double Decals", though they are definitely worn. The helmet looks to have seen long service, and was returned to arsenal where the origina early war smooth Apfel-grün (apple green) finish was removed, and it was repainted with lightly textured Panzergrau (armor gray), as used during the wartime. Since then it saw additional service, and now shows overall wear and light oxidation, with chips, scratches, and the usual wear. There is no major damage or denting we can see.

The use of the second decal was discontinued in 1940, and in 1943 it was ordered that helmets with the national colors have them removed. The decal on this helmet however escaped that fate, however it is possible that it was just that bits were missed, as very little of the "National Colors" is still present. The silver Heer Army eagle is still present, retained at about 50%, showing overall wear and chipping from use. Definitely lots of history here!

The reverse, interior, neck guard apron is heat lot number stamped 3518 and the interior, left side, apron has the stamped manufacturer's code and size, ET60 indicating that it was manufactured by Eisenhüttenwerk AG of Thale, located in the Harz district in Saxony, Germany. Size 60 is a small size that can accommodate liners from 52cm to 53cm or US 6 1/2 to 6 3/8. Shells this small are extremely rare, and we have only had a handful, even when compared to the extra large size 68.

All three of the original liner split pins are present, still retaining a good amount of the panzergrau paint, with the balance showing oxidation. The interior of the helmet still has the original M31 leather liner with all eight of its fingers intact, complete with the top securing strap. The leather is still quite supple, with just a bit of staining, and a small tear near the base of one of the fingers, and there is only light staining from use. The left exterior of the galvanized steel liner band is marked 60 n. A. / 53, indicating that it is a size 53 liner for a size 60 shell, and the leather is also stamped with 53 in a circle. The right side displays the full manufacture information, as well as a date:

SCHUBERTH-WERKE K.-G.
D. R. P.
1944
BRAUNSCHWEIG

This means the liner was almost certainly replaced during the war, very common to see on early helmets such as these, as the liner would almost certainly have needed replacement after years in service. There is still an original chinstrap installed, however it is unfortunately in very worn condition. The longer section still has all thirteen size adjustment holes, but is definitely stretched out. It is retained by a steel stud, while the other portion has an aluminum one. The aluminum buckle is still present, however it is attached only to the longer portion, having torn through the other side.

Overall a fantastic 100% genuine Extra Small M35 Double Decal Heer Army helmet shell with loads of history and a complete liner with damaged chinstrap! 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.

More than 1 million M1935 helmets were manufactured in the first two years after its introduction, and millions more were produced until 1940 when the basic design and production methods were changed, replacing the multi-piece riveted vent with one stamped directly into the steel. Later, in 1942 the rolled steel rim was removed from the pattern to further expedite production.