The Stahlhelm M35 of the German Luftwaffe with its characteristic features represents a significant period in military equipment history during World War II. This particular specimen combines several important developmental stages of German helmet evolution between 1935 and 1945.
The Model 35 was introduced in 1935 and represented a further development of the proven M16/18 from World War I. The essential changes primarily concerned the ventilation holes, which were now designed as stamped-through openings instead of attached bushings. This considerably simplified production and reduced manufacturing costs. The helmet was manufactured from a single piece of steel in a multi-stage pressing process.
The marking “ET66” identifies the manufacturer as Emaillierwerke AG in Fulda, which produced steel helmets between 1935 and 1940. The stamp “S 163” denotes a batch number. The head size 60 corresponded to a head circumference of 60 centimeters and was one of the more common sizes.
Particularly noteworthy on this helmet are the two emblems. The Luftwaffe eagle on the right side was mandatory from 1935 and showed a stylized eagle looking right with spread wings, holding a swastika in its talons. The national shield on the left side displayed the Reich colors of black-white-red in the form of a shield. Both emblems were typically applied as decals or painted on. Helmets with both emblems preserved are significantly rarer today than specimens from which one or both emblems were removed.
The gray-blue base paint is characteristic of the Luftwaffe. While army helmets were painted field gray and Kriegsmarine helmets dark gray, the Luftwaffe received its helmets in this typical gray-blue tone. This color scheme was used as standard from 1935 until approximately 1940/41.
The green-brown camouflage paint applied over the original finish corresponds to camouflage instructions that became increasingly important during the course of the war. From about 1940 onwards, soldiers began adapting their equipment to respective deployment areas. The camouflage painting could be applied in the field or in workshops. The color scheme in green and brown was particularly suitable for deployment in Central European vegetation zones.
The “chicken wire” mesh covering represents a particularly interesting field modification. These wire nets were stretched over the helmet to weave in vegetation such as grass, twigs, or leaves to improve camouflage. The term “chicken wire” comes from the English-speaking collector community and describes the mesh-like structure. Such wire coverings were not official equipment but field improvisations. They were attached by the soldiers themselves or manufactured by unit workshops. The corroded condition of the wire is typical for decades of storage and confirms the authenticity of field use.
The inner liner consisted of the standard leather insert with eight fingers attached to an aluminum ring. The ring itself was adjustable in size through a lacing system. The shortened chinstrap indicates an adaptation by the wearer, as was common in field use.
The combination of all these features – original Luftwaffe emblems, gray-blue base paint, field camouflage, and wire covering – makes this helmet an eloquent witness to the development and practical use of German military helmets during World War II. It documents both official standard equipment and individual adaptations by soldiers to the realities of combat deployment.
The state of preservation with partially preserved emblems and visible multi-layer paint allows us to trace the various usage phases of the helmet – from the original delivery in Luftwaffe gray through later camouflaging to the field-applied wire covering. Such helmets are important study objects for military history and the development of camouflage techniques.
The M35 model remained in production until 1940, when it was superseded by the simplified M40 variant. However, M35 helmets continued to be used throughout the war. The presence of both decals and the gray-blue finish clearly dates the helmet's manufacture to the earlier period of the war, while the camouflage modifications indicate its continued service into the later war years when tactical camouflage became increasingly critical for survival on the battlefield.
