Original German WWII Heer Subtle Camouflage M40 Helmet with Liner & Chinstrap – Marked Q66 Original Items

Original Item: One-of-a-kind. This is a very nice 100% authentic Heer Army Field Repaint Model 1940 German Helmet! While iconic, the Feldgrau (field Gray) used by the German Army (Heer) during WWII was not always the best for concealment. There were many different camouflage schemes used, and in this case they chose a very subtle textured camouflage, which was painted over the original paint. The interior paint is somewhat reflective, so it may have simply been added to make the helmet more dull in appearance. Whatever the reason, it definitely has a great look! This stamped sheet steel construction helmet retains much of its original paint, but shows expected wear and use on the exterior.

On the under side of the rear skirt, the shell has a stamped manufacturer’s code and size Q66 over heat lot 4340, indicating it was manufactured by Quist in Esslingen, Germany. Later in the war, all markings were moved to the rear of the shell, shortly before the change to 3 letter codes. 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 much harder to find and are therefore more valuable to a collector. 

All three liner retaining pins are intact and retain most of the original paint. The interior of the helmet still has the original M31 leather liner with all eight of its fingers, though there are some significant tears to the leather, as shown. The original top tie is present, and fully intact. The mid war galvanized steel liner band is marked on the left side with 66 n.A. / 58, indicating a size 58cm liner for a 66cm shell. There is also a 58 stamped on one of the fingers of the liner. It is also maker marked and dated on the other side, partly obscured by dirt and oxidation::

Metalwarenfabrik
1943
F. W. M.

The chin strap is fully intact, with the expected wear from age and use. It does not have any major cracks or other issues, though it is quite dark from wear and oils. It has the correct mid-late ware galvanized steel buckles and rivets, and definitely does have some areas that are a bit delicate.

Overall a very nice subtly camouflaged M40 Helmet offered in great condition! 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.

In an effort to reduced construction time and labor costs minor modifications were introduced in March 1940 resulting in the M40 helmet. Further construction modifications were undertaken in August 1942 resulting in the M42 helmet.