German WWII M1942 Steel Helmet, Possible Kriegsmarine Use
This item is listed for historical interest only. It was listed on our site previously but has been sold and is no longer available for purchase.
Sold for: $575.00

Original era manufacture. An interesting helmet which came in a recent collection purchase by Terri and I. At first glance we see a standard M1942 pattern steel helmet with a decent Heer pattern decal on the left side. The paint finish however is a decided gray color, which has been applied carefully, with the eagle nicely masked off. The paint shows honest age, as a dark metal patina can easily be seen in the numerous small scratches and nicks which appear on the helmet's surface. At some point in it's life, a previous owner applied a light varnish finish to the exterior of the helmet, done long after the helmet's service use in my opinion. The varnish was not applied to the interior as it is more of a matt gray color.The helmet has a nice leather liner and original chinstrap, with the rivet prongs looking as if they have only been inserted and bent but once, slot washers are present on all three. While an Army decal on a Kriegsmarine used helmet flies in the face of regulations, military expediency will always trump red tape, and, in this instance perhaps explains the battleship gray painted exterior.