Original Item: Only One Available. This is a strong service used example of a German WWII Waffen-SS M42 steel helmet, stamped EF66 and retaining a worn but still discernible single ᛋᛋ double rune decal. The shell preserves much of its original textured later war Panzergrau finish, while the interior retains an original M31 liner in relic condition, marked for a 59cm head size in a size 66 shell. The combination of a genuine SS decal, large EF66 shell, textured wartime finish, and surviving original liner assembly gives this helmet considerable collector interest despite the heavily deteriorated leather.

The M42 was the final major German wartime steel helmet pattern and was simplified for more efficient production, with a raw turned edge and increasingly utilitarian finish. Waffen-SS personnel used the same basic helmet types as the Heer and other branches, but with SS specific insignia. Earlier SS helmets could carry two decals, while later examples commonly retained only the branch insignia.

The stamped steel shell retains much of its original textured Panzergrau finish, with honest overall wear, scratching, and oxidation from service and age. The heaviest wear is across the top of the helmet and along the lower edge, where exposed steel has developed a mature oxidized patina. The interior paint shows similar wear and oxidation, while the rougher surface texture of the later production steel remains clearly visible.

The single Waffen-SS decal is retained at approximately 40%. The surface is heavily worn and chipped, leaving portions of the double rune insignia faint, but the design remains discernible under close examination and magnification. The loss appears consistent with the general wear seen across the helmet rather than concentrated deliberate removal. We have examined the decal closely and compared it with known period originals, and we see no obvious reason from its appearance to doubt its period authenticity.

The rear interior neck guard is stamped with lot number:

0839

The left interior skirt carries a faint maker and size marking:

E.F.66

This identifies manufacture by Emaillierwerke A.G. of Fulda, Germany, with 66 indicating the shell size. The stamping is faint and somewhat uneven, with the zero in the lot number appearing almost like two opposing parentheses, which is fully consistent with the lightly struck character of the markings on this shell. The size 66 shell is fitted with a size 59cm liner, appropriate for this shell size.

All three liner retaining pins remain present and retain their exterior paint well. The installed M31 liner is original but now in relic condition, with approximately 50% of the leather missing. Most of the liner fingers are gone, with only portions of several remaining. The surviving leather is heavily deteriorated from age and long storage, and the damage may also be consistent with rodent activity, although the exact cause cannot be established.

The galvanized steel liner band is marked on the left side:

66 n. A. / 59

This identifies a size 59cm liner assembly intended for a size 66 shell. We were unable to see a maker marking on the opposite side of the band. No chinstrap is present.

Overall, this is a highly evocative Waffen-SS M42 helmet with substantial original character. The large EF66 shell, textured Panzergrau finish, approximately 40% surviving SS decal, lot number 0839, complete liner band, and relic size 59cm leather liner make it a compelling example for a German WWII helmet or Waffen-SS collection. The heavy decal wear, oxidation, extensive liner loss, and missing chinstrap are all fully disclosed and contribute to the helmet's unmistakably service worn appearance.

The German Stahlhelm:
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 was given by collectors.

In 1942, Due to wartime demands, the M-42 design was put into production because it was significantly quicker to manufacture. The rolled edge of the M-35 shell was eliminated, creating an unfinished edge along the rim. This edge flared out slightly, along the base of the skirt. The elimination of the rolled edge expedited the manufacturing process and reduced the amount of metal used in each helmet, without sacrificing protection.