Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good all original German WWII Heer Army M40 single decal steel helmet, retaining a strong amount of its original lightly textured panzergrau finish, an approximately 90% complete Heer eagle decal, all three original liner pins, and its original 1943 dated Schuberth-Werke M31 liner assembly. The helmet has exactly the kind of honest field worn appearance collectors look for, with scattered finish loss, oxidation, scratches, and wear that have developed naturally over more than eight decades.

The M40 represented the first major simplification of the M35 Stahlhelm. Introduced in 1940 as wartime production demands increased, it retained the familiar German helmet profile and rolled rim of the M35 but eliminated the separate inserted ventilation bushings. Instead, the vents were stamped directly into the shell during manufacture, reducing production time and cost while retaining the overall strength and appearance of the earlier design. The M40 would become one of the characteristic German combat helmets of the middle years of WWII.

This example retains approximately 75 to 80% of its original textured exterior paint, with no indication of a wartime repaint. The surface shows chipping, scratches, and scattered rust consistent with genuine field and storage wear. The finish has not been artificially enhanced, and the combination of surviving paint and exposed oxidized steel gives the helmet a particularly convincing service used appearance.

The left side retains its original Heer eagle decal, which survives at approximately 90%. There are some small chips and areas of light wear, but the decal remains very strong overall and still displays an attractive metallic sheen.

The interior likewise shows age and oxidation, particularly beneath the lower skirt, and this has made the factory shell markings difficult to read.

The rear neck guard is clearly stamped:

D 367

The maker and shell size markings cannot presently be read due to oxidation. Exterior measurement indicates that this is a size 62 shell, a smaller helmet size intended to accommodate approximately 53 to 55cm liner assemblies depending on configuration.

All three original liner retaining pins remain installed and retain traces of their original exterior paint.

Inside is the correct M31 liner assembly, although the leather itself is now in relic condition. The liner is heavily dry rotted, with extensive flaking, tears, and material loss. Only one or two of the original eight leather fingers remain substantially intact, and the surviving leather should be considered delicate. The original crown tie is missing.

The galvanized steel liner band is marked over the left ear:

62 n.A / 53

indicating a 53cm liner fitted to a size 62 shell.

The opposite side retains the manufacturer information:

SCHUBERTH-WERKE K.-G..
D. R. P.
1943
BRAUNSCHWEIG

The markings are difficult to read because of oxidation but remain identifiable. Schuberth-Werke was one of the major manufacturers of helmet liner systems during WWII, and the 1943 date fits perfectly with the mid-war galvanized steel construction of this liner band.

There is no chinstrap installed. Instead, a short length of rope has been tied between the two square liner loops. Its exact date cannot be established, but its age and appearance suggest it may have been added during the wartime period or shortly thereafter. We have left it exactly as found.

The M40 evolved directly from Germany's long steel helmet tradition. The first modern German Stahlhelm entered service in 1916, replacing the Pickelhaube as the realities of trench warfare made head protection essential. The M16 and later M18 remained in service through the postwar Reichswehr period and into the early years of the Third Reich.

Development of a lighter, more compact helmet began during the 1930s, resulting in the Model 1935. The M35 reduced the large skirt and visor of the WWI patterns, eliminated the obsolete external armor shield lugs, incorporated a new adjustable leather liner system, and used a rolled shell edge for strength and comfort. The German Army officially accepted the new helmet on June 25, 1935.

As wartime production expanded, the design was simplified into the M40, with integral stamped ventilation holes replacing the separate M35 vent bushings. A further simplification followed with the M42, which eliminated the labor intensive rolled rim.

This helmet sits directly in the middle of that evolution and shows the kind of wear associated with an issued combat helmet rather than a lightly handled depot example.

The combination of its original textured finish, strong Heer decal, D 367 lot number, all three original liner pins, 1943 dated Schuberth-Werke galvanized liner band, and untouched service worn appearance gives this M40 considerable collector appeal.

For a collector of German WWII helmets, Heer combat equipment, single decal Stahlhelms, or original battlefield era field gear, this is a strong and honest example with excellent display character.