*High-Quality Reproduction German M40 Double Decal Helmet – Kriegsmarine/Heer Style – Ideal for Re-enactment, Liner, Dated Chinstrap*
Heatstamped on inside left: “ET64”, at rear: “443” (may be missing a digit)
Chinstrap Marked: “Gunt Vogel Cotteus, 1939”
Liner Stamped: “56” in a circle
This helmet appears to be a high-quality reproduction of the German M40 steel combat helmet, ideal for re-enactment or display. The shell features the correct stamped ventilation holes, a hallmark of the M40 model introduced in 1940, and is finished in a textured field-grey paint. It is fitted with a period-style leather liner and chinstrap.
The left-hand decal is a gold-toned eagle, which suggests a Kriegsmarine (Navy) designation. However, the difference between Heer and Kriegsmarine eagle decals is often subtle — both use the same eagle design, with colour being the main distinction. As such, this helmet could also represent a Heer issue depending on interpretation, especially in the context of re-enactment where some flexibility exists. The right-hand decal displays the national tricolour shield, a configuration typically associated with pre-1940 issue. Since double decal arrangements were largely discontinued by regulation in 1940, this setup is atypical for an M40 helmet, and again indicates this is a post-war assembly or reproduction.
The shell is stamped “ET64” (Eisenhüttenwerk Thale) on the inside left, with a rear lot number “443”, though no such number is listed in Brian Ice’s reference work on original helmet production. This, along with the decal configuration, supports the conclusion that the helmet is a modern reproduction. The chinstrap is stamped “Gunt. Vogel Cottbus 1939”. The leather remains supple and complete, and the liner is size-marked “56”.
This helmet is a very convincing and well-presented reproduction, suitable for re-enactors, display collections, or those seeking the look and feel of a German WWII helmet without investing in an original.
*Condition*
Excellent overall. Minor surface wear from handling. Decals well applied. Liner and chinstrap complete and present well. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQBHE_2565140525
