*German, Pre-WW2 - c.1936, M35 Double Decal Heer Steel Combat Helmet, NS66, Lot 5755, Pocher Decals*
An original and untouched German M35 double decal Heer steel combat helmet, produced by Vereinigte Deutsche Nickelwerke, Schwerte (NS), size 66, and retaining both of its factory-applied decals. The shell is stamped NS66 with lot number 5755, placing it within early production consistent with the NS-numbered series beginning in 1936.
The helmet retains its original smooth field-grey finish (often described as the early parade green or light service finish), now showing honest age, surface wear, and patination throughout, entirely consistent with period use and long-term storage.
Both decals remain in place. The Heer eagle on the left side displays characteristics consistent with the C.A. Pocher pattern, including defined, balanced wings and a distinct head profile, while the national tricolour shield remains on the right. Wear to both decals is even and commensurate with the surrounding finish, with no evidence of later application or interference.
This attribution is supported by reference to Brian Ice, German Combat Helmets 1933–1945, p.534, where this exact configuration is recorded as: “M35 NS66 5755 DD HEER ZSH PFLG NS/POCHER”. Indicating a double decal Heer helmet with zinc-plated liner band, PFLG Parade Finish light Green and Pocher-applied insignia on an NS-manufactured shell. The interior retains its original early aluminium liner band with reinforcement, fitted with a well-preserved leather liner showing expected age and service wear. The chinstrap is present but broken, with fittings appearing period and consistent with the helmet.
A highly desirable early-production example, combining correct NS manufacture, double decal configuration, and Pocher-attributed insignia, presented in honest, untouched condition.
History Note:
The German M35 steel helmet was introduced in 1935 as the first of the Third Reich’s standardized combat helmets, representing a refinement of the earlier First World War Stahlhelm designs. It featured a lighter, more streamlined shell with a rolled edge and separate vent bushings, improving both comfort and manufacture while retaining excellent ballistic protection.
Early production helmets, such as this example, were finished in a smooth field-grey (often described as “apple green”) paint and issued with double decals, comprising the national tricolour shield on the right and the Heer eagle on the left. This configuration was characteristic of pre-war and early-war issue, before regulations introduced in 1940 ordered the removal of the tricolour and the simplification of finishes.
This helmet was manufactured by Vereinigte Deutsche Nickelwerke (NS) at Schwerte in the Ruhr industrial region, one of the principal producers of German steel helmets during the early rearmament period. Helmets from this factory are encountered with several decal types, including those produced by C.A. Pocher of Nuremberg, whose distinctive eagle design is represented here.
The combination of an early NS production shell, double decal configuration, and Pocher-attributed insignia is well documented in the literature, including Brian Ice, German Combat Helmets 1933–1945, p.534, where comparable NS66 examples within this lot range are recorded. Such helmets represent the classic form of the pre-war German combat helmet, prior to the simplifications and material changes of the later war years.
Surviving examples in untouched condition, retaining both original decals and factory finish, are increasingly sought after as representative pieces of early Wehrmacht issue and production.
*Condition*
The helmet remains in original, untouched condition. The exterior finish shows expected wear, light corrosion, and patination. Both decals are original, with age-related wear but retaining strong visibility. The liner is complete and original, with typical age hardening and wear to the leather. The chinstrap is present but broken. No evidence of repainting, restoration, or component replacement is observed. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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