*German, WWII, Original M35 Single Decal Kriegsmarine Steel Helmet with Later Decals, SE66, Lot 078, Complete with 1939 Dated Chinstrap, Excellent Condition*
An excellent and highly desirable early-production Model 1935 (M35) Stahlhelm manufactured by Sächsische Emaillierwerke (SE), Lauter, shell size 66, lot number 078, retaining its original rough textured grey-green Kriegsmarine finish, correct round-cornered aluminium chinstrap bales, zinc liner band, complete nine-tongue sheepskin liner and period 1939 dated chinstrap marked “R. Larsen, Berlin, 1939.”
The shell is heat stamped SE66 with lot number 078. It remains in outstanding, untouched condition, preserving its original rough textured Kriegsmarine-style field grey/green paint with honest age patina and light oxidation consistent with service. There is no evidence of post-war repainting; texture, tone and wear are uniform and authentic. The helmet correctly features the classic early M35 rolled edge and separate vent bushings. The round-cornered aluminium bales remain intact and correct for early production.
The interior is particularly strong. It retains its original zinc liner band and complete nine-tongue sheepskin liner, size stamped 59. The leather remains notably supple with its drawstring present. Nine-tongue liners are encountered in early production examples and are entirely plausible for this manufacturing period. The 1939 dated chinstrap is period correct and entirely appropriate for early-war service use.
The helmet appears to have begun life as a Single Decal Kriegsmarine example. It now displays later-applied national tricolour and eagle decals over the original paint. The underlying shell, finish and configuration remain consistent with early naval issue.
Brian Ice (p.299) records SE66 lot 078 as “SD KM 40 RAB-RALB … RTGG ET-KM,” i.e., a Single Decal Kriegsmarine example finished in rough textured grey-green. His lot number guide is not definitive or complete, as most original German production records no longer exist, and it should not be treated as a factory ledger. However, it remains one of the strongest comparative references available to collectors. It is also important to note that a lot number is not a serial number; it identifies a production batch rather than a specific branch allocation. Helmets of the same size and lot number can legitimately be encountered in different decal and service configurations.
Overall, this is a superb early SE M35 retaining its original textured naval finish and excellent interior condition, with later decals applied over what was almost certainly a Single Decal Kriegsmarine shell.
Historical Context:
The M35 helmet was introduced in 1935 as a refined successor to the First World War pattern, incorporating a rolled edge skirt, separate vent bushings and improved liner assembly. Early Kriegsmarine helmets were typically issued with a single eagle decal; the national tricolour shield was officially discontinued in March 1940.
Sächsische Emaillierwerke began helmet production in September 1935. Early SE lots are less commonly encountered than ET examples, and documented naval issue SE helmets are comparatively scarcer. Ice’s recording of SE66 lot 078 as Single Decal Kriegsmarine provides the closest comparative guide available, though it should be understood as observational documentation rather than definitive production proof.
*Condition*
An excellent overall example. The shell is structurally sound with no visible cracks or splits. Original textured paint remains intact with natural oxidation and service patina. The liner is complete, supple and well preserved with intact drawstring. The chinstrap is original, service worn but stable and dated 1939. Later-applied decals are present. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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