Original Item: Only One Available. This is an incredible all original service worn example of an early Model 1935 German early WWII "double decal" overspray helmet, complete with original liner and chinstrap! In the early 1940s, the use of colorful decals, especially the national colors, was seen as a liability, and the tri-color was ordered removed. However, it was often easier to repaint the entire exterior, especially if the helmet had the early war smooth blue-gray Luftwaffe fliegerblau paint. These were often "oversprayed" with textured paint, which was sometimes cleaned off of the decals so they would be partly visible.

This helmet was definitely an overspray camouflage, and due to the service wear, we are now able to see parts of both decals, so it was definitely originally issued as a "double decal" helmet. Additionally, the rear skirt is named on the underside with Obgefr. Lener, short for Obergefreiter Lener, an enlisted rank meaning "Senior Exempted", similar to a U.S. "Airman First Class". Just a wonderful service worn example of an early WWII period helmet with tons of history!

The reverse, interior, neck guard apron is serial number stamped 4782, and the interior, left side, apron has the stamped manufacturer's code and size, E.T.66 indicating that it was manufactured by Eisenhuttenwerk AG of Thale, located in the Harz district in Saxony, Germany. Size 66 is a nice larger size that can accommodate liners from 58cm to 59cm or US 7 1/4 to 7 5/8. Size 66 shells are harder to find and are therefore more valuable to a collector.

All three liner retaining pins are intact, however only one still has most of the paint, while the other two have almost none. The interior of the helmet still has the original M31 leather liner with all eight of its fingers intact, though it is now somewhat dark and worn from age and use. The original top tie is still present, though it looks to have been torn once and tied back together. The inner band is unfortunately slightly deformed on the front side. 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:

This indicates production by the metal and leather working company Werner Zahn, based in Berlin - Charlottenburg, in the year 1940, which fits right into the early war period. Attached to the liner is a totally correct chin strap with all aluminum hardware. The leather is somewhat dry, and there is some missing leather on the ends of the longer strap. The inside of the loops going around the chinstrap show that the aluminum has worn off onto the leather, so this chin strap has been on this helmet while in service for a long time.

Overall a very nice 100% genuine double decal overspray Luftwaffe helmet with loads of patina! We do not get helmets like these very often at all. 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.