Original Item: Only One Available. This is an incredible service used condition all original example of a German WWII M35 helmet, as issued to the Heer (Army), with very desirable "Double Decals". This stamped sheet steel construction helmet was not repainted at any time during the war, and still retains over 80% of its original early war Apfel-grün (apple green) paint, making it a really great example of a Pre-War produced helmet. There are some areas of paint loss and oxidation, but nothing out of the ordinary for a helmet that saw long service.

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. The decal on this helmet however escaped that fate, so it still has both decals. The left side of the helmet features a Heer eagle decal, which is retained about 90%, which is fully retained with light overall wear, and a lovely light golden color. The right side of the helmet features a national colors decal, which is retained about 80%, showing more wear and also some oxidation staining from the helmet. Definitely lots of history here!

The reverse, interior, neck guard apron is lot number stamped D142 and the interior, left side, apron has the stamped manufacturer's code and size NS64, indicating that it was manufactured by Vereinigte Deutsche Nikelwerke, of Schwerte, 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. There is also a visible "Dome Stamp" at the top inside of the shell, something we rarely see! We unfortunately not make out the date on it, but the stamp is definitely there.

All three liner retaining pins are intact, and all still have most of the original apple green paint present. The interior of the helmet still has the original M31 leather liner, however only 6 of the 8 fingers are still intact, and the top tie is missing. The leather has a lovely brown color, though it is now somewhat stiff, which is probably how the two fingers tore off. The liner band is aluminum, with square aluminum chin strap loops attached to reinforced sides. This is the last pattern before the move to galvanized steel bands. The left exterior of the liner band is marked 64 n.A / 57, indicating that it is a size 57 liner for a size 64 shell. It is also maker marked and dated on the other side:

The chinstrap is unfortunately completely missing.

Overall a very nice 100% genuine M35 Double Decal Heer Army helmet with loads of history! It looks great, and all components are correct! 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.

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.

More than 1 million M1935 helmets were manufactured in the first two years after its introduction, and millions more were produced until 1940 when the basic design and production methods were changed.