Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely all original example of a German WWII M35 "Single Decal" helmet, issued to the Heer (Army). This stamped sheet steel construction helmet retains about 80% of its lightly textured panzergrau (armored gray) paint, which we assume is original, having been produced during the period when they were changing from the earlier "Apfel-grün" (Apple Green) smooth finish. It is however always possible that it was a very early M35 that was returned to arsenal and reissued in 1940-1941. The textured exterior does show some wear and scrapes from service, but overall is in very good condition, with no major chips, dents, or other damage. The left side of the helmet features a Heer eagle decal, which is retained about 90%, with overall light wear from use. It still has a lovely metallic sheen and age toned color, and the shell overall has a great lightly used look that is impossible to duplicate!

The reverse, interior, neck guard apron is heat lot number stamped 4716 and the interior, left side, apron has the stamped manufacturer's code and size, SE62 indicating that it was manufactured by Sächsische Emaillier und Stanzwerke A.G. of Lauter, Germany. Size 62 is a nice smaller size that can accommodate liners from 54cm to 55cm or US 6 3/4 to 6 5/8.

All three original liner retaining pins are intact and retain most of the original paint on the tops, which is smooth panzergau, indicating they were pre-painted at the factory. The helmet still has its correct M31 liner with all 8 "fingers" intact, complete with the top tie string. The leather is in very good condition, showing only light use, and there is no major staining or other issues. There looks to be a name or some other text written on the inside of the lioner towards the front: Stolite and K. Herzog. The outer side of the mid war galvanized steel liner band over the left ear is marked 62 n.A / 55, indicating that this is a size 55 liner for a size 62 shell. The right side displays the full manufacture information, however it hard to read due to oxidation:

SCHUBERTH-WERKE K.-G.
D. R. P.
1940
BRAUNSCHWEIG

There is a very nice early pattern chinstrap attached to the liner, which has an aluminum buckle and galvanized steel attachment studs. It still has all 13 size adjustment holes, so it has not been cut down, though it is a bit stiff due to age.

Overall a very nice 100% genuine complete M35 Single Decal Heer Army helmet, with a great lightly used look! M40 helmets of this quality are always the hard 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.

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.