Original German WWII Extra Large Army Heer M35 Double Decal Helmet with 1939 Dated 61cm Liner & Chinstrap – NS68 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good service used condition all original example of a German WWII M35 helmet shell, as issued to the Heer (Army), with very desirable “Double Decals”. This stamped sheet steel construction helmet was originally painted with early war Apfel-grün (apple green) paint, however it was later field repainted with blue gray Panzergrau (armor gray) at some point, as we can see “brush strokes” on the exterior. The repaint is retained at about 70%, making it a really great example of a Pre-War produced helmet that saw long service. There is overall wear and oxidation, and there are some areas where the paint has chipped away, allowing the steel shell to oxidize a bit. This is an old campaigner!

The use of the second decal was discontinued in 1940, and in 1943 it was ordered that helmets with the national colors have them removed. The decal on this helmet however escaped that fate, so it still has both decals. The left side of the helmet features a worn Heer eagle decal, which is retained about 60%, showing overall wear with some of the black color layer over the silver layer having chipped away. The right side of the helmet features a national colors decal, which is retained about 80%, showing overall wear and some chipping to the decal. Both decals look to have been applied OVER the field repaint, so it was repainted very early in the war. Definitely lots of history here!

The reverse, interior, neck guard apron is serial number stamped, B1 and the interior, left side, apron has a stamped manufacturer’s code and size, NS68 indicating that Vereinigte Deutsche Nikelwerke, of Schwerte, Germany manufactured it in size 68. Size 68 is a rare extra large size that can accommodate liners from 60cm to 61cm or US 7 1/2 to 7 5/8. Size 68 shells are the hardest to find and are therefore the most valuable to a collector.

All three of the original liner split pins are present, however they have nickel alloy heads, which has caused most of the original paint to wear off. The interior of the helmet still has the original M31 leather liner with all NINE of its fingers intact, only seen on these extra large liner sizes. It still retains the top securing string, though it is in delicate condition. The leather is still relatively supple, but definitely shows that the helmet saw much service. It is stained overall, now showing a lovely dark chestnut brown color. 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, as aluminum was scarce. The left exterior of the liner band is marked 68 n.A / 61, indicating that it is a size 61 liner for a size 68 shell. The right side displays the full manufacture information, as well as a date:

SCHUBERTH – WERK K.-G.
D.R.P.
1939
BRAUNSCHWEIG

This is exactly the right period and type of liner for this very early helmet.

The attached chinstrap is in very good condition, and judging by the condition, it is an arsenal spare replaced at some point early in the war. The condition of the leather is very good, definitely a bit better than the liner. The studs and buckle are both early war aluminum, and they show some oxidation, though not as much as the aluminum liner band.

Overall a very nice 100% genuine M35 Double Decal Heer Army helmet shell with loads of history and a complete liner with chinstrap! This is an item that will only continue to appreciate in value over time!

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 1934 tests began on an improved Stahlhelm, whose design was a development of World War I models. The Eisenhüttenwerke company of Thale carried out prototype design and testing, with Dr. Friedrich Schwerd once again taking a hand.

The new helmet was pressed from sheets of molybdenum steel in several stages. The size of the flared visor and skirt was reduced, and the large projecting lugs for the obsolete armor shield were eliminated. The ventilator holes were retained, but were set in smaller hollow rivets mounted to the helmet’s shell. The edges of the shell were rolled over, creating a smooth edge along the helmet. Finally, a completely new leather suspension, or liner, was incorporated that greatly improved the helmet’s safety, adjustability, and comfort for each wearer. These improvements made the new M1935 helmet lighter, more compact, and more comfortable to wear than the previous designs.

The Army’s Supreme Command officially accepted the new helmet on June 25, 1935 and it was intended to replace all other helmets in service.

More than 1 million M1935 helmets were manufactured in the first two years after its introduction, and millions more were produced until 1940 when the basic design and production methods were changed.