Original Item: Only One Available. This is a great lightly used all original example Model 1935 German WWII "single decal" helmet, with a Luftwaffe Eagle decal on the left side, and wire wrapping for attachment of camouflage material. This wire was originally coated, but most has worn off. Also, the right side of the helmet clearly shows that it had a "National Colors" decal, which was removed, so this was originally a "double decal" helmet, correct for early war issue. 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, which is why this helmet no longer has one.

This stamped sheet steel construction helmet retains over 90% of the original Fliegerblau (Flyer Blue) paint and is in very good condition overall. The Luftwaffe decal is probably around 90%, with some chipping and wear. All three liner retaining pins are intact, with most of their original paint.

The reverse, interior, neck guard apron is serial number stamped 211 and the interior, left side, apron has the stamped manufacturer's code and size, Q66 indicating that it was manufactured by Quist in the German city of Esslingen. Size 66 is a nice large size that can accommodate liners from 58cm to 59cm or US 7 1/4 to 7 3/8. Size 66 shells are the hardest to find and are therefore more valuable to a collector.

The helmet still has its correct very good condition M31 liner with all of the 8 fingers present and supple. The liner also still has its original size adjustment string, and overall there is only light wear do the liner, as with the rest of the helmet. It is also named on the liner to Fw. Bärsch, with "Fw" standing for Feldwebel, a Luftwaffe NCO rank equivalent to a U.S. Technical Sergeant.

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 66 n.A / 58, indicating that it is a size 58 liner for a size 66 shell. It is also maker marked and dated on the other side:

The chin strap is present, though it is definitely worn and somewhat delicate. It has the correct aluminum securing studs and buckle, so it is most likely original to the helmet. It is maker marked by PAUL KLOPFER, however we cannot make out the rest of the marking.

Overall a very nice totally correct 100% genuine single decal Luftwaffe helmet, with traces of the removed second decal and attached wire, ready to 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.

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.