Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good service used all original example of a German WWII M40 "Single Decal" helmet, issued to the Heer (Army). This stamped sheet steel construction helmet retains about 25% of its original lightly textured panzergrau (armored gray) paint, with the rest of the surface now showing heavy oxidation from exposure to the elements. There are no dents on the shell we can see, but the top surface definitely shows rust pitting, while the sides still retain some of the paint, though still show oxidation where it is worn away. The left side of the helmet features a Heer eagle decal, which is retained about 60%, with overall wear from use. It still shows the correct metallic sheen, however much of the black layer has worn away. This helmet definitely looks to have seen long service during the war.

The reverse, interior, neck guard apron is heat lot number stamped 1246 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 the original paint on the tops to a varying degree, with one having over 80%, and one having lost all of it. The helmet still has its correct M31 liner with all 8 "fingers" intact along with the top tie string. The leather is in very good condition, showing light to moderate use, and there is no major staining or other issues. 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, and the leather itself is stamped with 55 in a circle as well. The rear looks to have R. Sch written on the interior, but we do not understand the meaning. The right side displays the full manufacture information, however it hard to read due to some bending of the liner band:

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

The chinstrap on the helmet is the correct later war version, produced with a painted steel buckle and attachment studs. They now show wear to the paint with oxidation, but are still functional. The leather portion is still full length, with all thirteen length adjustment holes still present, and no tears or major damage. The leather is a bit stiff from age, though we do not see any areas of dry rot or other issues.

This German WWII Heer M40 helmet remains complete with its original M31 liner, full-length chinstrap, and all three liner-retaining pins. The SE62 maker marking, 1246 heat-lot number, Schuberth-Werke 1940 liner, and approximately 60% remaining Heer decal provide clear identifying details. Although much of the exterior finish has been lost to oxidation and the crown shows notable pitting, the shell remains free of visible dents, while the liner and chinstrap are unusually well preserved for the overall condition. The contrast between the heavily weathered shell and complete interior gives this helmet a distinctive, honest service-used appearance.

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.