Description
Product Description: A very nice M38 Single Decal German Paratrooper Helmet. This M38 Single Decal German Paratrooper Helmet retains nearly all of its factory applied feldgrau paint, with a few scattered light scuffs. The “ET” pattern Luftwaffe decal rates approximately 85%, and displays very nicely. All four slotted steel bolts are intact and have developed an appealing untouched dark patina from age. The interior m38 liner system is completely intact and firmly held in place with the exterior steel slotted bolts and interior nuts. All interior liner nuts appear untouched, however there are a few light marks to the interior nut on non-decal side of the helmet, which we need to point out. The leather shows minimal wear and retains its black ink stamp indicating the liner’s manufacturer, shell size, and liner size. The ink stamp is named to “Karl Helsler”, and size stamped for liner size “56”, and shell size “68”. The chinstrap is completely intact and the leather remains supple and flexible enough to safely add the helmet to a mannequin head, without fear of damage. The interior skirt is maker and size marked “ET68” on the wearer’s right side, and lot number stamped on the rear skirt with lot number “78”. This M38 Single Decal German Paratrooper Helmet would make a great addition to any collection, and would look great on a late war Fallschirmjager mannequin.
Historical Description: The airborne troops (Fallschirmjäger) of Germany’s Army and Air Force were equipped with a variety of specialized equipment to aid them with their special mission. Among this equipment was a distinctive helmet, which was designed to protect the wearer when exiting and airplane and upon landing, as well as in combat. The first of these Fallschirmjäger helmets was issued in 1936. Few of these first pattern helmets were manufactured, and they are extremely rare today, with extremely few examples known. In 1937, a slightly altered version entered mass production, and in 1938, a new pattern was introduced that would remain in production until the end of the war. All of the Fallschirmjäger helmets were made by a single manufacturer, Eisenhüttenwerke Thale. Most original helmets are marked “ET” for this manufacturer, while late war pieces bear the factory’s three-letter code, “ckl.” Both early and later pattern Luftwaffe decals can be found on these helmets, and late war helmets were issued without decals, as with the other military helmet models. Some of these helmets were adorned with camouflage paint or were otherwise camouflaged with netting, wire or cloth helmet covers. Fallschirmjäger helmets are much less common than standard Heer and Luftwaffe helmets, and are extremely sought-after today.
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