Description
The first “modern” steel helmets were introduced by the French army in early 1915. The German army began tests for their own steel helmet at the Kummersdorf Proving Grounds in November, and in the field in December 1915, experimenting with both captured French and British helmets. An acceptable pattern was developed and approved and production began at Eisen-und Hüttenwerke, AG Thale/Harz, in the spring of 1916. In 1935, the Third Reich developed the smaller, lighter M35 style helmet, and then in an effort to reduce 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. Made of stamped steel, this M40 Combat Helmet is in EXCELLENT relic condition! It retains 75% of it’s original paint and finish, but there is some obvious patina, corrosion, marks, and wear due to the age. The liner is the original to this helmet (sweat stained and damaged), along with the original chin strap. It is marked with the serial number, “706”, however I cannot see any maker marks. I suspect they were obliterated from the side of the skirt when the bullet/shrapnel passed through. The RARE feature is that is still retains the original hand-painted owner’s name indicating, “Pilger”. A VERY NICE item, PERFECT item for any collection or display! |
