{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-waffen-ss-single-decal-m40-steel-helmet-in-relic-condition-with-original-liner-and-chinstrap-size-66-shell","title":"Original German WWII Waffen-SS Single Decal M40 Steel Helmet in Relic Condition with Original Liner and Chinstrap, Size 66 Shell","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal German WWII Waffen-SS M40 Single Decal Steel Helmet in Relic Condition with Original Liner and Chinstrap, Size 66 Shell\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an original German WWII Waffen-SS M40 single decal steel helmet in heavily weathered relic condition, retaining a recognizable Waffen-SS runic decal, original M31 leather liner, and later pattern chinstrap. Long exposure to the elements has stripped away most of the original finish and produced extensive rust scaling and pitting across both the exterior and interior, but the shell remains structurally sound and retains enough surviving features to make this a compelling relic example. No factory markings remain visible, but exterior measurements indicate a size \u003cstrong\u003e66\u003c\/strong\u003e shell.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe SS, or \u003cem\u003eSchutzstaffel\u003c\/em\u003e, was formed in 1925 and expanded considerably under \u003cem\u003eReichsführer-SS\u003c\/em\u003e Heinrich Himmler. Its armed formations developed from the earlier \u003cem\u003eSS-Verfügungstruppe\u003c\/em\u003e and became known as the Waffen-SS during WWII. Waffen-SS personnel used much of the same basic field equipment as the German Army, but their helmets carried SS-specific insignia. Earlier examples could carry two decals, while later wartime regulations eliminated the opposite side political shield, resulting in the familiar single decal configuration represented here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stamped steel M40 shell still retains its original overall shape and shows no major dents, cracks, or other serious structural damage. The surface, however, is extensively pitted and scaled from corrosion, with only scattered traces of the original finish remaining.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe right side of the helmet retains approximately \u003cstrong\u003e25%\u003c\/strong\u003e of the Waffen-SS \u003cem\u003edoppelte Siegrune\u003c\/em\u003e, or double \"victory\" rune decal:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eᛋᛋ\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough heavily worn by oxidation, enough of the decal remains to identify the helmet as a Waffen-SS example. The right side placement is correct for Waffen-SS helmet insignia. The surviving decal has been closely compared with known period examples and appears consistent with an original wartime decal, though too much detail has been lost to determine a specific decal manufacturer with confidence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDue to the rust scaling on the interior of the shell, none of the original manufacturer, size, or lot markings remain visible. Measuring the shell externally indicates that it is most likely a size \u003cstrong\u003e66\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll three original liner split pins remain present. Their exterior finish has been completely lost to corrosion, and each shows rust pitting. One split pin has rusted completely through the cap portion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe helmet retains an original M31 leather liner with all \u003cstrong\u003e8 fingers\u003c\/strong\u003e still present and the original top tie remaining in place. The liner leather has darkened completely and become stiff from prolonged exposure. There are areas of wear through where the leather bends over the liner band.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe galvanized steel liner band is heavily rusted over its entire visible surface, preventing any original manufacturer or size markings from being read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe installed chinstrap is the later pattern type with a steel buckle and attachment studs. It remains substantially complete and retains all \u003cstrong\u003e13 adjustment holes\u003c\/strong\u003e on the long section, confirming that it has not been shortened.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe chinstrap leather has stretched somewhat and become stiff with age. There is already a partial tear where the strap passes over the front brim, so it should be handled with care to avoid further damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall, this is a true relic condition Waffen-SS M40 helmet with extensive surface corrosion and weathering throughout, but with a surprisingly complete set of surviving original components. The recognizable approximately 25% runic decal, original M31 liner with all eight fingers and top tie, complete later pattern chinstrap, all three liner pins, and structurally sound size \u003cstrong\u003e66\u003c\/strong\u003e shell give it considerable appeal for the collector who values untouched field relics and heavily weathered original German combat headgear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe German Stahlhelm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\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\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Army's Supreme Command officially accepted the new helmet on June 25, 1935 and it was intended to replace all other helmets in service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46075597652037,"sku":"ONSV26EMC184","price":895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/37CD1DD5-83EE-435B-9393-1157C057D304.jpg?v=1792610179","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-waffen-ss-single-decal-m40-steel-helmet-in-relic-condition-with-original-liner-and-chinstrap-size-66-shell","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}