A very appealing, untouched example of an original Second World War German M40 Heer combat helmet, retaining its original liner, original chinstrap remnants and a period bread bag strap fitted around the shell. The helmet has never been cleaned or restored and displays honest age, wear and patina throughout.

Shell

The shell retains its original finish with honest wear throughout. The rolled edge and ventilation holes that are stamped into the steel, identify it as the M40 pattern.

Stamped on the inside skirt is hkp 68. The hkp maker’s code identifies Sächsische Emaillier- und Stanzwerke, while 68 denotes the desirable large shell size. The rear skirt is stamped with batch number 0436.

One of the helmet’s most attractive features is the subtle visible “ghost line” left by the bread bag strap. The outline is more noticeable around the rear of the shell than the front and is easier to appreciate in natural light than in photographs. it is subtle but a feature that definitely adds character to the helmet.

Heer Decal

The original single Heer eagle decal survives beneath the strap.

Approximately 40% of the decal remains, with the rest naturally worn away through age and service. The decal appears to sit slightly off level. While this may suggest a period field applied decal, it is impossible to prove, so we leave that to the next owner to judge. Close-up photographs have been provided.

Liner

The helmet retains what appears to be its original size 60 leather liner, which is correct for the size 68 shell.

The leather shows honest service wear but remains a very good, complete example. The size 60 stamp is still visible.

The three split pins remain correctly seated and lie flat against the liner band, with no obvious signs of ever having been disturbed. This is exactly what collectors like to see and strongly supports the liner having remained in the helmet for many decades.

Chinstrap

The original leather chinstrap is still present.

As is common with wartime leather, it has become extremely dry and brittle and has broken through the centre. Both end sections remain attached to the D-loops with their original riveted fittings, and the detached centre section is included.

Overall

An honest, untouched German M40 Heer helmet that displays good character.  The combination of the desirable hkp 68 shell, original liner, surviving single decal, and particularly the bread bag strap ghost line, makes this a very interesting example.

Historical Note

The German M40 helmet was introduced in 1940 as a simplified version of the earlier M35. The separate pressed ventilation bushes of the M35 were replaced with ventilation holes stamped directly into the shell, reducing manufacturing time while retaining the rolled edge.

In 1942, the design was simplified again to create the M42. The rolled edge was eliminated, leaving a raw edge that was quicker and cheaper to produce. These changes reflected Germany’s increasing wartime production demands.

We ship to the USA, Europe, and most worldwide destinations.

All items are carefully packed for safe transit.