Original German WWII M35 KIA Shot Through Single Decal Luftwaffe Helmet – Marked ET64 Original Items

Original Item: One-of-a-kind. This is a genuine USGI bring back Trophy of War. The unique aspect of this helmet is a .45 caliber size bullet hole (Col 1911, Thompson SMG, M3 Grease Gun) that exits through the right rear side of the helmet, indicating that the German solider was shot at an upward angle, as there is not entry hole in the helmet. Close inspection of the paint, style and aging of the edges lead us to be totally confident that this exit path is genuine to the WWII period.

There is an old paper label that accompanies this helmet. It reads; Shell Fragment Torn NSDAP Helmet M/1935 Combat Luftwaffe Steel Helmet. Gift of Late Cpl. 3rd Div, G.R. Needham. 1953. Cpl. Needham cut off torn blood stained strap. Also note stains around liner rip.

Overall this is a very nice all original example Model 1935 German WWII “single decal” helmet, with a crisp Luftwaffe Eagle decal on the left side, which appears to have been mounted over a over-painted early droop tail decal.

This stamped sheet steel construction helmet retains about 90% of the original blue-gray Luftwaffe paint and is in good condition overall. The Luftwaffe decal is probably around 70%, with age toning and some scratches. All three original liner retaining pins are intact.

The interior apron has pitting but the the stamped manufacturer’s code and size, ET 64 can just be made out which indicate that indicating it was manufactured by Eisenhuttenwerk AG, Thale Harz, Germany in size 64.

The helmet still has its correct good condition M31 liner with all of the 8 fingers intact, including a BULLET HOLE! The liner also still has its original size adjustment string. The leather itself shows darkness with age (blood?), but is still supple in most areas and in good condition.

The liner band is aluminum, with square aluminum chin strap loops, which is the earliest pattern of manufacture. The chin strap is unfortunately completely missing, but could be easily replaced.

Overall a very nice totally correct 100% genuine KIA Shot Through single decal Luftwaffe helmet, 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.