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  Double Decal Helmet for German Paratroopers [M38] Luftwaffe. (Lot: 1312)

  This Fallschirmjäger M38 paratrooper steel helmet with two original decals represents a rare example of early production, retaining its original factory finish and both insignia in untouched condition.

  The M38 design was developed specifically for Luftwaffe airborne units and differed fundamentally from standard army steel helmets. The significantly shortened brim and compact dome shape reduced the likelihood of snagging on parachute equipment elements and minimized air resistance during the jump. Since German paratroopers jumped wearing their steel helmets, the M38 had to provide protection not only in combat but also during the descent and landing itself. To achieve this, a special internal system was developed featuring shock-absorbing elements designed to cushion impact loads and prevent head injuries. Another distinctive feature was the complex system of chin and retention straps, which provided considerably more secure helmet fixation compared to standard infantry models and prevented the helmet from shifting or coming off during the jump and landing. The preservation of the original liner and complete strap assembly is particularly significant when evaluating a collectible example. The M38 was not merely a piece of personal armor; it simultaneously served as part of the paratrooper’s specialized jump equipment. Its design combined combat protection requirements with the specific demands of airborne operations, making the M38 one of the most technically distinctive and recognizable German steel helmets of the Second World War period.

  Early German steel helmets of the Third Reich period originally featured two decals, placed on both sides of the dome. One indicated affiliation with the respective branch of armed forces or organization (in this case, the Luftwaffe), while the second represented the national insignia in German flag colors. With the outbreak of war, the use of the second decal was gradually discontinued, as the bright insignia served as a revealing element and did not meet frontline operational requirements. During the war, many early double-decal helmets were repainted, received additional camouflage finishes, or had one or both decals removed. A significant number of helmets were also lost or destroyed directly during combat operations. For this reason, original double-decal helmets that have retained their initial factory finish and both decals are encountered considerably less frequently today than later single-decal and no-decal variants. Particular collector value is attached to untouched examples on which the second decal has survived completely or nearly completely and has not been concealed by later paint, removed, or restored.

  $ 25,000 fee: 22.5%
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  Genuine Austro-Hungarian M17 steel helmet of the First World War. Wartime web chinstrap, complete original leather liner, Isonzo-braun finish. With a named US veteran bring back provenance, France, 1918. (Lot: 1212)

  Genuine Austro-Hungarian Stahlhelm, Model M17, of the First World War. Austria-Hungary used the German M16 but produced its own M17 version, and this example shows all the correct Austrian markers.

  The key indicators of Austrian manufacture are the cloth (web) chinstrap with leather tabs and roller buckle, and the chinstrap attachment set higher on the dome than on German shells. The dome retains its characteristic side ventilation lugs (Hörner), which also served as the mounting points for the armored brow plate. The warm brown surface tone is consistent with the Austrian Isonzo-braun finish.

  An important dating detail: the cloth chinstrap points to wartime production of 1917 to 1918. Later, postwar Austrian helmets of this type used a leather chinstrap, so a complete web chinstrap marks this as a genuine wartime piece rather than an interwar one. Inside, it retains the complete original three-pad leather liner with its drawstring, a feature frequently missing or replaced on surviving helmets. The liner carries a size stamp reading 64.

  Provenance: the helmet is accompanied by an old collector tag stating that it was brought back from France in November to December 1918, and named to William Joseph Tobiska. In keeping with the period, the tag calls the helmet German: the American soldier did not distinguish the Austrian pattern from the German one, which is typical of war souvenirs and only underlines the authenticity of the story.

  Condition: an honest, untouched example with a textured surface, light oxidation, and wear consistent with a century old combat item. Offered exactly as found, a genuine WWI Austro-Hungarian helmet with complete liner, original wartime web chinstrap, and a named bring back provenance.

  Please review all photos closely, they form part of the description. Worldwide shipping.

  $ 2,375 fee: 22.5%
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  M35 Beaded Helmet – ET66 “ASENO-248”, “G.S.” (Lot: 1044)

   A well-presented example of the M35 Beaded Helmet – ET66, manufactured by ET and stamped ET66, with lot number 5064. This civil defense helmet retains much of its original paint 

  The steel shell is finished in black paint, a standard color for fire brigades and civil services. White alphanumeric markings (“ASENO-248”, “G.S.”) are painted on the sides and rear, indicating assignment to a specific unit or facility.

  The shell is clearly stamped “ET66” (Eisenhüttenwerke Thale, size 66) and “5064” (lot number).

   

  $ 195 fee: 22.5%
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  M35 Beaded Helmet – ET64 (Lot: 1043)

  An original German Beaded helmet from the Third Reich period. Manufactured from steel based on the military M34/M35 helmet, it was adapted to meet the needs of civil defence and police.

  The shell retains its ventilation holes and rivets, with the manufacturer’s stamp “ET64” indicating production by Eisenhüttenwerke Thale and a size 64 shell. An additional marking “692” is visible inside (batch number). The interior is fitted with the original leather liner with multiple tongues and the chinstrap.

   

  $ 325 fee: 22.5%
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  German M16 Stahlhelm – Early Type with Rare Complete Leather Band Liner, All Original Paint. Extremely rare! (Lot: 1033)

  An exceptionally well-preserved German M16 combat helmet from the First World War, in a rare and highly desirable state of originality. This is an early-production example, easily identified by its large external lugs (“ventilation lugs”) designed both for airflow and to accommodate an additional brow plate.

  The helmet retains 100% of its original field-gray textured paint, with a beautiful, untouched patina that speaks to its age and authenticity. Unlike later examples with replaced or refurbished interiors, this piece still contains its original leather liner band, complete with the three-pad leather system and remnants of the interior drawstring. The leather shows wear consistent with service use but remains stable and complete.

  Maker’s mark and lot number are clearly visible inside the shell (stamped G62), confirming both the size and manufacturer. The split pins remain tight and untouched, further underlining the helmet’s originality.

  Helmets of this type and condition are seldom encountered on the market, as most surviving examples were either repainted, reissued in WWII, or have suffered liner replacement. This untouched example represents a textbook collector’s piece.

  $ 1,245 fee: 22.5%
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  German M16 Steel Helmet with Camouflage Paint (Lot: 1032)

  This is an original German M16 steel helmet from the First World War. The shell is made of steel with the characteristic outward vent lugs, which also served as fittings for the additional frontal armor plate (Stirnpanzer). The surface retains traces of the factory finish with an overpainted camouflage in the so-called Buntfarbenanstrich style — the typical multi-color pattern introduced in 1916, featuring green, ochre, and brown segments divided by black lines. The paint shows natural wear, confirming its authenticity.

  Inside, the original leather liner, complete with its three leather pads and metal band, is preserved, along with the chinstrap. On the rear skirt of the shell, the stamped marking “G62” is visible, indicating the manufacturer and the shell size (62). Additional factory markings are also present on the interior.

  Helmets of this type were introduced to the German Army in 1916, replacing the earlier leather Pickelhaube. Thanks to their strength and protective qualities, the M16 became a symbol of the German soldier of the First World War and served as the foundation for the entire line of steel helmets leading up to the M35 of the Second World War.

  $ 1,350 fee: 22.5%
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  Imperial Japanese Army Steel Helmet – WWII (Lot: 810)

  Original Imperial Japanese Army Type 90 combat helmet, Second World War period.

  Steel shell retains strong character with heavy field patina and surface oxidation consistent with age and service use. The front features the applied five-pointed star emblem of the Imperial Japanese Army. No visible repaint; surface shows honest wear and aging.

  The interior is fitted with a modern reproduction leather liner and chinstrap. The liner is clean and functional, but not period-original.

  A solid representative example of a WWII Japanese helmet, ideal for display or as a representative piece in a Pacific War collection.

  $ 495 fee: 22.5%
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  M42 Helmet with RAD Emblem (Rare) (Lot: 662)

  $ 2,995 fee: 22.5%
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  M35 Helmet, Double-Decal (Lot: 661)

  $ 2,095 fee: 22.5%
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  Afrika Korps Cork Helmet (Affordable) (Lot: 643)

  Auction Ended
  Product sold for blitz price: $ 150

Sold at Blitz price