Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice all original extra small Model 1935 German WWII helmet WITHOUT DECALS. This stamped sheet steel construction helmet retains about 80% of an original field repaint, and definitely looks to have seen long service. This was definitely a helmet that saw significant use during the war, with a great patina of age. If you were looking for a helmet with lots of history for your collection, this is it!

The reverse, interior, neck guard apron is serial number stamped 3354 and the interior, left side, apron has the stamped manufacturer's code and size, SE64 indicating that it was manufactured by Sächsische Emaillier und Stanzwerke A.G. of Lauter, Germany. Size 64 is a nice medium 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.

The interior of the helmet still has an original M31 leather liner with all eight fingers present, however there is definitely some wear. All 8 fingers are present, as well as the original top tie. The chin strap is present and appears without damage but is somewhat dried out from age. The outer side of the galvanized steel liner band over the left ear is marked 64 n.A / 57, indicating that this is a size 57 liner for a size 64 shell. The maker markings on the other side are unclear, and all we can make out is "BRAUNSCHWEIG".

Overall a nice service worn condition genuine M35 helmet, with a lovely patina! 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.