Original German WWII Luftwaffe M35 “Droop-Tail” Former Double Decal Helmet with 56cm Liner & Chinstrap – marked ET64 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice all original example of a Model 1935 German WWII “former double decal” helmet, which was originally made with a Luftwaffe Eagle decal on the left side, and a “National Colors” decal on the right. It still has a very desirable early “Droop-Tail” Luftwaffe Eagle decal on the left side, and a evidence of the “National Colors” decal on the right side having been removed. 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, and that is exactly what happened on this helmet. It looks like it was scratched out in the field, removing all of the paint that was under it as well, so there is now an oxidized rectangular spot on the right side.

This stamped sheet steel construction helmet shows wear from long service, probably retaining about 80% of the original smooth blue-gray Luftwaffe fliegerblau (flyer’s blue) paint job, and was not later repainted during the war. There are no major dents or other issues, and the areas without paint show a lovely lightly brown oxidized patina. The interior of the helmet shows more of the original paint, though there is some oxidation. particularly under the rear skirt. The Luftwaffe decal is lovely, retained at around 65%, showing overall wear and checking. It clearly shows the “straight leg” and tail that identify it as an early “droop tail” decal. The helmet has a fantastic “well-used” look that is impossible to duplicate!

The reverse, interior, neck guard apron is heat lot number stamped 3663 and the interior, left side, apron has the stamped manufacturer’s code and size, ET64 indicating that it was manufactured by Eisenhüttenwerk of Thale, located in the Harz district in Saxony, Germany. Size 64 is a nice medium size that can accommodate liners from 56cm to 57cm or US 7 to 7 1/8. Size 64 shells are harder to find and are therefore more valuable to a collector.

All three liner retaining pins are intact, with mostly missing due to wear and age. The top caps have not rusted however, as they look to be made from brass, and not the steel used later during the war. The helmet still has its correct very good condition M31 liner with all of the 8 fingers present, however they definitely show cracking and staining from wear. The leather is now stained to a very dark brown almost black color, and there is splitting of the rear seam. The top tie string has been replaced with some modern string. 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. The left exterior of the liner band is marked 64 n. A. / 56, indicating that it is a size 56 liner for a size 64 shell. It is also stamped 56 on the leather itself near the rear. The right side has the full maker information clearly stamped:

Metall-Lederverarbeitung W.Z.
1939
Bln.- Ch’burg 5

This indicates production by the metal and leather working company Werner Zahn, based in Berlin – Charlottenburg, in the year 1939, which fits right into the early war period. This is exactly the right period and type of liner for this very early helmet.

The chin strap is in good condition, though it is a later war example with steel fittings. It shows some tearing to the leather on the buckle side around the chin strap loop, where it has cracked and torn. The longer section also has a partial tear, and is maker marked Otto Gerkhens / PINNEBERG over an illegible date.

Overall a very nice totally correct “former double decal” Luftwaffe M35 helmet, ready to display! We do not get helmets like these very often at all. Sure to appreciate in value over the years!

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.