*German, WW2, Genuine SS M40 Helmet with repainted SS and National Colour Double Decal*
Stamped at the rear inside U5070 and inside right strap: ET66. Black painted, eight toungue leather liner, painted decals. A beautiful M40 ET66 SS Double Decal Helmet in excellent condition. The helmet is made by the firm of “ET”, which stands for Eisenhüttenwerk, Thale. The leather liner is complete with chinstrap. The leather of the liner shows age and wear, developing a nice dark even appearance which compliments the overall look of the helmet. The liner is marked in pen “Wabnegger”.
ET numbered helmets were made by Thale (Eisenhuttenwerk Thale). 66 is the size and 5070 the ref number. SS helmets were only produced by Eisenhüttenwerk Thale (ET) , Quist Esslingen (Q) and Emaillierwerke Fulda (EF). However runes are normally black on a white shield and this is the reverse suggesting that it was painted on in the field rather than the factory. Many helmets will have had decals changed / added post factory issue.
The U character is unusual and experts theorise that it either represents a test helmet or could be quality control inspector’s marks used to verify that the correct lot number had been stamped into each steel planchet of a bundle. Factory workers seeing that control mark on the topmost planchet would know that the entire bundle of steel discs had been properly numbered and inspected and that the planchets could then be distributed to the presses without fear of a mix-up.
The M40 helmet was introduced at the onset of WW2 – 26 Mar 1940-1 Aug 1942, featuring a more matte field grey finish and integrated vent holes. This design was an evolution of the earlier M35 helmet, which was known for its separate rivet vent holes and rolled edges. In 1940, orders were given to remove the national colors decals and party shields from the helmets. Many M35 helmets were updated with the new matte finish and modifications, becoming what collectors now call “reissue helmets.” The M40 helmet represented a shift towards more practical and efficient production methods as the German military adapted to the demands of the war.
*Condition*
Excellent used condition. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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