{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-service-worn-luftwaffe-m35-double-decal-helmet-with-liner-broken-chinstrap-marked-q64","title":"Original German WWII Service Worn Luftwaffe M35 Double Decal Helmet with Liner \u0026 Broken Chinstrap - marked Q64","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice all original service worn example 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 showed extensive wear, probably retaining only 25% or less of original smooth blue-gray Luftwaffe \u003cem\u003efliegerblau\u003c\/em\u003e (flyer's blue) paint job, and definitely saw a LOT of service, and was not later repainted during the war. There are no major dents or other issues, and the areas without paint show a lovely lightly brown oxidized patina. The interior of the helmet shows much more of the original paint, though there is some oxidation and flaking, particularly under the front brim. The National Colors decal is well worn, showing degradation of the surface layers, so it looks mostly white now. The Luftwaffe decal is probably retained at under 25%, still showing the swas emblem, but the eagle is mostly gone. The helmet has a fantastic \"well-used\" look that is impossible to duplicate!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse, interior, neck guard apron is serial number stamped \u003cstrong\u003e471\u003c\/strong\u003e and the interior, left side, apron has the stamped manufacturer's code and size, \u003cstrong\u003eQ64\u003c\/strong\u003e indicating that it was manufactured by \u003cem\u003eF.W. Quist G.m.b.H.\u003c\/em\u003e in the German city of Esslingen. Size 64 is a nice smaller size that can accommodate liners from 56cm to 57cm or US 7 to 7 1\/8. Size 64 shells are harder to find and are therefore more valuable to a collector.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll three original liner retaining pins are intact and in good condition, with the smooth Luftwaffe blue gray paint well retained. The interior of the helmet still has its original leather liner with all 8 fingers intact, though the top tie is missing. The leather has a lovely color and worn look, with some flaking around the edge. The outer side of the galvanized steel liner band over the left ear is marked \u003cstrong\u003e64 n.A \/ 57\u003c\/strong\u003e, indicating that this is a size 57 liner for a size 64 shell. The right side has the maker information stamped, though the date is too faint to read:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMetall-Lederverarbeitung W.Z.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e????\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBln.- Ch'burg 5\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis indicates production by the metal and leather working company Werner Zahn, based in Berlin - Charlottenburg. Given the galvanized steel construction, we would say that the liner was most likely replaced at some point during the war. It does have aluminum chin-strap loops, so it is possible that it is original however.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original chin strap is present, and has a steel buckle while being retained by early war aluminum studs. It is in delicate condition, with the longer portion broken about an inch from the end, with the broken portion still retained in the buckle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall a very nice totally correct 100% genuine service worn double decal Luftwaffe helmet, ready to display! We do not get helmets like these very often at all.\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":40586747183173,"sku":"ONSV23PCS184","price":695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV23PCS184__07.jpg?v=1686341905","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-service-worn-luftwaffe-m35-double-decal-helmet-with-liner-broken-chinstrap-marked-q64","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}