{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-extra-small-m40-single-decal-luftwaffe-helmet-with-torn-1940-dated-53cm-liner-chinstrap-q60","title":"Original German WWII Extra Small M40 Single Decal Luftwaffe Helmet with Torn 1940 Dated 53cm Liner \u0026 Chinstrap - Q60","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely all original example of an extra small Model 1940 German WWII helmet with a single Luftwaffe Eagle decal and torn 1940 dated size 53cm liner, as well as a chinstrap, though it has been cut down a bit. This stamped sheet steel construction helmet still retains most of the original lightly textured Luftwaffe \u003cem\u003eFliegerblau\u003c\/em\u003e (flyer's blue) paint, which utilized aluminum oxide as a texturing agent. There is some age and scuffing to the paint, but it is very well retained at over 90%, showing light period wear and no major areas of finish loss. There is just a bit of scattered oxidation peppering from small scratches. The original Luftwaffe eagle decal is still present, retained at about 85% with light wear overall, and some deformation to the swas. There is also a chip through the left wing, but overall it's got a great age toned look.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse, interior, neck guard apron is batch number stamped \u003cstrong\u003e47\u003c\/strong\u003e under the stamped manufacturer's code and size, \u003cstrong\u003eQ60\u003c\/strong\u003e. This indicates it was manufactured by \u003cem\u003eF.W. Quist G.m.b.H.\u003c\/em\u003e in the German city of Esslingen. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll three liner split pins are still intact, however they are all plated, so the original paint did not adhere well, and now is missing from areas on all three. The helmet still has its correct M31 leather liner with all of the 8 fingers present, along with the top securing tie. However, it has torn at the edge over 50% of the circumference, and is now in delicate condition. The left exterior of the galvanized steel liner band is marked \u003cstrong\u003e60 n. A. \/ 53\u003c\/strong\u003e, indicating that it is a size 53 liner for a size 60 shell, and the leather is also stamped with \u003cstrong\u003e53\u003c\/strong\u003e in a circle. The right side displays the full manufacture information, as well as a date:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSCHUBERTH-WERKE K.-G.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eD. R. P.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1940\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBRAUNSCHWEIG\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis liner is right in period for an M40 helmet, and we see no signs that it has been removed. The attached chinstrap is in very good condition, and has the correct steel buckle and studs correct for a wartime produced example. The leather is still quite supple without any tears, though the longer portion has been shortened, only having 7 adjustment holes instead of the usual 13.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall a nice condition genuine extra small complete M40 Single Decal Luftwaffe helmet with some fantastic period wear! This is an item that will only continue to appreciate in value over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Army's Supreme Command officially accepted the new helmet on June 25, 1935 and it was intended to replace all other helmets in service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44410770948165,"sku":"ONSV25NFC053","price":895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV25NFC053__05.jpg?v=1765832957","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-extra-small-m40-single-decal-luftwaffe-helmet-with-torn-1940-dated-53cm-liner-chinstrap-q60","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}