{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-luftwaffe-m35-double-decal-steel-helmet-with-1937-dated-58cm-liner-chinstrap-stamped-se66","title":"Original German WWII Luftwaffe M35 Double Decal Steel Helmet with 1937 Dated 58cm Liner \u0026 Chinstrap - stamped SE66","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely all original example of a Model 1935 German WWII \"Double Decal\" helmet, with a Luftwaffe Eagle decal on the left side, and a \"National Colors\" decal on the right. 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, so finding a helmet with both still intact is a real treat!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis stamped sheet steel construction helmet retains 75% of the original correct smooth semi-gloss blue-gray Luftwaffe \u003cem\u003efliegerblau\u003c\/em\u003e (flyer's blue) used on early helmets, which would later become textured, and is in very good condition overall. There are some scuffs and scrapes consistent with service wear, as well as wear through on the crown area, which has allowed the metal to oxidize. There are however no large dents or major damage we can see, giving it a great look. The National Colors decal is retained at about 85%, with light scratching and some wear through. The Luftwaffe decal shows more wear, retained at probably about 75%, with some areas chipped away and oxidized. Both have had the enamel top coat yellow a little, giving them a great aged look!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse, interior, neck guard apron is batch number stamped \u003cstrong\u003e736\u003c\/strong\u003e, and the interior, left side, apron has a stamped manufacturer's code and size, \u003cstrong\u003eSE66\u003c\/strong\u003e. This indicates it was manufactured by \u003cem\u003eSächsische Emaillier und Stanzwerke A.G.\u003c\/em\u003e of Lauter, Germany in size 66. This is a nice large size that can accommodate size 58cm and 59cm liners, or 7 1\/4 - 7 3\/8 US. Shells of this large size are harder to find, and more valuable to a collector.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll three liner split pins are still intact, retaining the original smooth paint to a varying degree. The helmet still has its correct M31 liner with all of the 8 fingers present and supple, and retains the original top tie, though it is torn through and one finger is missing the very tip. The leather has matured to a lovely chestnut brown color, and is in very good condition, still supple with a bit of wear. It is even still marked with a size \u003cstrong\u003e58\u003c\/strong\u003e in a circle. The liner band is aluminum, with square aluminum chin strap loops attached without any side reinforcements. Later Pre-war examples would have a double layer of aluminum on the side to prevent bending. The left exterior of the liner band is marked \u003cstrong\u003e66 n.A \/ 58\u003c\/strong\u003e, indicating that this is a size 58 liner for a size 66 shell. The right side displays the full manufacture information, as well as a date:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMetall-Lederverarbeitung W.Z.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1937\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBln.- Ch'burg 5\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis indicates production by the metal and leather working company Werner Zahn, based in Berlin - Charlottenburg, in the year 1937, which fits right into the pre-war period. This is exactly the right type of liner for this very early helmet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe attached chinstrap is in very good condition, and has the mid to late war galvanized steel hardware, so it may be original, or a period replacement. All thirteen holes are still present and the longer end is marked by maker \u003cstrong\u003eG. SCHIELE \/ LOBURG\u003c\/strong\u003e. The leather is definitely a bit stiff, but there are no major cracks or damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall a fantastic totally correct 100% genuine double decal Luftwaffe helmet, ready to display! We do not get helmets like these very often at all. 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\u003eThe Luftwaffe pattern national eagle was originally introduced for wear by Fliegerschaft, (Pilot Base), personnel of the DLV, Deutscher Luftsportsverband, (German Air Sports Association), the clandestine, civilian, forerunner of the Luftwaffe on August 18TH 1934, and adopted for wear by the Luftwaffe on March 1ST 1935 along with the national tri-color shield for wear on the helmet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first pattern national eagle was utilized until a modified second pattern eagle was introduced in late 1936 or early 1937. Regulations of June 12TH 1940 discontinued the use of the national tri-color decal and further regulations of August 28TH 1943 abolished the national eagle decal and dictated that it was also to be removed from all helmets although the directives were not completely adhered to.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42593862352965,"sku":"ONSV24NWS124","price":1395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV24NWS124__07.jpg?v=1743005965","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-luftwaffe-m35-double-decal-steel-helmet-with-1937-dated-58cm-liner-chinstrap-stamped-se66","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}