Waffen-SS Single Decal Steel Helmet M40
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 50.GOR.01.01.02.01.001.001
Estimated market value:
Estimated market value:
A very well-preserved Waffen-SS M35/40 steel helmet, constructed of magnetic metal with an exterior field-grey painted finish. The helmet is flanked on each side by integrated ventilation holes opening into the interior. It is similarly flanked on each side by rivets, with a third rivet located at the reverse, holding the interior features in place. Affixed to the right side is a decal with a C.A. Pocher-produced SS insignia, measuring 34 mm (w) x 40 mm (h). The rim of the helmet is fully crimped, providing a smooth edge. The interior is fully lined by a silvered zink band, held in place by the aforementioned rivets, stamped with a maker’s code of “64nA” for Schuberth Werk, Braunschweig, with a size of “57”. This band accommodates a brown leather liner with eight fingers, each of which bears a magnetic metal eyelet formerly accommodating a drawstring. The liner displays a partially-intact, handwritten black inscription ending in “ATB”. Also set into the band are two silvered zink loops with a two-piece brown leather chinstrap, with the right strap retaining a magnetic metal buckle for secure attachment. Some loss of paint and oxidation is evident to the steel features, along with age-appropriate material fatigue of the leather elements. The helmet is in an overall better than very fine condition.
The Waffen-SS Steel Helmets were modeled after the helmets of the German Army. The main design stems from the so-called M(odel) 35, which was a modernisation of the helmet design of WWI helmets.
In 1940, the M35 underwent slight modification in order to simplify the manufacturing process. Rather than using separate fittings for ventilation holes, the hole mounts were directly stamped onto the shell.
Besides this alteration, the M35 and M40 were the same and the distinction between the two models was made relevant by collectors; contemporary Germans referred to the M40 helmet as the M35.
The colour of paint varies between medium to very dark grey.
The early M40 helmets feature an SS runic symbol decal painted on the right side and a swastika decal on the left. The swastika decal was discontinued in early 1941, and in November of 1943 the SS runic decal was discontinued as well.
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