Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice and somewhat rare genuine steel construction M40 “Beaded” Third Reich helmet, outfitted for German WWII civic police issue. These helmets were essentially like the Military issue, however the steel was not as high quality. They were given a “bead” around the edge, to avoid mixing them up with the military version. This helmet definitely has the bead, though it is a bit more subtle than we often see. The helmet features genuine double decals of civic eagle and NSDAP swas.
The exterior of this German helmet retains almost all of the black paint, with some small chips and scratches. There is some wear through around the rim, as well as some small scuff marks, either from service or storage. The NSDAP decal is about 95% complete, with light overall age and wear, and the civic eagle is about 80%, with a bit more wear and deterioration.
The reverse, interior, neck guard apron is heat lot number stamped 1180 and the interior, left side, apron has the stamped manufacturer’s code and size, ET66 indicating that it was manufactured by Eisenhüttenwerk 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.
The helmet with a complete leather liner, with all three split pins present with most of their original paint. The cork pads between the and shell are still present, and this liner has a pressed fiber band with wool felt padding, which has unfortunately suffered a good deal of moth damage, as we often see. There is some wear and cracking to the leather, and the top tie string has torn through the ends of four of the seven fingers.
Overall a great opportunity to get a lovely example of a German WWII Civic issue beaded M40 helmet, used by the Civic Police. Ready to display!