Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice all original service worn example of a Model 1942 German WWII helmet, with a single Luftwaffe Eagle decal. This stamped sheet steel construction helmet retains probably under 25% of the original lightly textured Luftwaffe Blue-Gray paint, with much now faded to an oxidized patina. The interior is a bit better, but still shows oxidation in areas even inside the crown. This looks like it could be a "battlefield pickup" found some time after the war, which was then cleaned up and fitted with a post war German style liner. The original decal is still visible, but like the paint is probably only around 25% retained. If you were looking for a well-worn helmet for your collection, this could be it!

The reverse, interior, neck guard apron is lot number stamped 2033 and the interior, left side, apron has a partial stamped manufacturer's code and size, of which we can only read the first letter: E. There were two makers who used codes beginning in E, so we unfortunately are not able to identify the maker. We did however measure the shell, and it is about 65cm in exterior circumference, so the interior measurement is 64cm. This 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 post war replacement liner looks to be from eastern or central Europe, and definitely does show some age, with oxidation on the attachment rivets. We were not able to find any markings indicating a size or maker. It is made from relatively thick leather, similar to the pigskin used on late war German helmets during WWII.

Overall a nice condition genuine service M42 Single Decal Luftwaffe helmet with a post war replacement liner. Ready to add to your collection and display!

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.

In 1934 tests began on an improved Stahlhelm, whose design was a development of World War I models. The Eisenhüttenwerke company of Thale carried out prototype design and testing, with Dr. Friedrich Schwerd once again taking a hand.

The new helmet was pressed from sheets of molybdenum steel in several stages. The size of the flared visor and skirt was reduced, and the large projecting lugs for the obsolete armor shield were eliminated. The ventilator holes were retained, but were set in smaller hollow rivets mounted to the helmet's shell. The edges of the shell were rolled over, creating a smooth edge along the helmet. Finally, a completely new leather suspension, or liner, was incorporated that greatly improved the helmet's safety, adjustability, and comfort for each wearer. These improvements made the new M1935 helmet lighter, more compact, and more comfortable to wear than the previous designs.

The Army's Supreme Command officially accepted the new helmet on June 25, 1935 and it was intended to replace all other helmets in service.

The M1935 design was slightly modified in 1940 to simplify its construction, the manufacturing process now incorporating more automated stamping methods. The principal change was to stamp the ventilator hole mounts directly onto the shell, rather than utilizing separate fittings. In other respects, the M1940 helmet was identical to the M1935. The Germans still referred to the M1940 as the M1935, while the M1940 designation were given by collectors.