Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice 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!

This stamped sheet steel construction helmet retains much of the original correct smooth semi-gloss blue-gray Luftwaffe fliegerblau (flyer's blue) finish used on early helmets, which would later become textured, though only on the exterior. The condition of the interior paint and liner show that the helmet was probably lying upside down for a period, and became filled with water. This eroded the paint and allowed the tanning agents in the leather to cause some oxidation as well, which removed the paint from a lot of the interior, and also caused oxidation and damage to the liner band and leather. Definitely a very interesting example with a lot of history!

The exterior still retains lots of the original finish, showing wear consistent with long service. There are some areas on the top that have lost the finish, and are now oxidized, but overall it presents beautifully. We did notice that around the liner pins and vents that there is paint loss similar to the interior, probably produced by the same process that removed finish from the interior. Both decals show some lovely age, with the enamel top coat having yellowed to give both an almost amber color. The Luftwaffe eagle on the left side is retained at about 75%, showing some loss due to wear and chipping, and also some loss of the enamel top coat. The National colors is a bit better, retained at 90% with just some scratches and light wear.

The reverse, interior, neck guard apron is serial number stamped, E203 and the interior, left side, apron has a stamped manufacturer's code and size, N.S.66 indicating that Vereinigte Deutsche Nikelwerke, of Schwerte, Germany manufactured it in size 66. Size 66 is a nice large size that can accommodate liners from 58cm to 59cm or US 7 1/4 to 7 3/8. Size 66 shells are harder to find and are therefore more valuable to a collector.

All three liner split pins are still intact, however they have nickel heads, so they have lost virtually all the paint, which does not adhere as well to the material. They also seem to have been affected by the water exposure to the interior if the helmet. There is still an M-31 liner on the interior, however it is in relic condition, with only the inch or two of leather near the band still brown, while the ends of the fingers are stained and black from water exposure. The original top tie is present, stained orange from oxidation exposure. The liner band is aluminum, with square aluminum chin strap loops attached to reinforced sides. This is the last pattern before the move to galvanized steel bands. The left exterior of the liner band is marked 66 n.A / 59, indicating that it is a size 59 liner for a size 66 shell. It is also maker marked and dated on the other side:

The attached chinstrap is the correct early pattern with an aluminum buckle and attachment studs, however the leather is dark and shows much wear. It still retains all thirteen adjustment holes, however it should definitely be handled with care as it is very delicate, and has stretched out quite a bit.

Overall a totally correct 100% genuine double decal Luftwaffe helmet which looks to have suffered water exposure in the field, but is still more than 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!

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.

The 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.

The 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.