WW2 German Luftwaffe, M38 Double Decal Paratrooper Helmet (Original)
SKU: 360
Original/Reproduction: Original
Availability: In-stock
Manufacturer:
Year Manufactured: 1941
Model: Stahlhelm M38
Serial Number: 1125
Shell Size: ET 71
Markings: Luftwaffe Eagle Decal, National tri-color Shield Decal
Construction: Made from a single piece of pressed manganese steel
Condition: Excellent
Price: $9,995.00
Seller Type: WW2C
Seller ID: JMW
Seller Code: DG-150
Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Description:
This extremely rare original WW2 German Luftwaffe Paratrooper Helmet is an exceptional and highly collectible example of the rare double decal configuration. The Fallschirmjäger or German airborne forces received this helmet which was designed with a low-profile shell and a special liner and chinstrap system for maximum protection and retention during airborne operations. The helmet consists of the M38 paratrooper shell made from a single steel piece without the typical side ventilation lugs which standard Wehrmacht helmets have. The helmet retains roughly 96% of it’s early smooth apple-green exterior paint. The original factory-applied textured Luftwaffe blue-gray paint covers most of the surface while showing typical combat-related wear and authentic battle scars. The helmet displays two decals which show the Luftwaffe eagle with outstretched wings holding a swastika on one side and the tri-color national shield on the other side. The first Pattern Luftwaffe Eagle Decal is in very good condition, with approximately 98% of the decal remaining. The tri-color national shield has about 97% of its original condition while maintaining good visibility despite some signs of aging. The interior liner system manufactured by KarlHelsler Berlin C2 DRGM includes the correct padded leather eight-finger design with aluminum liner band which is securely riveted with appropriate slotted paratrooper bolts. The leather shows some aging but is supple and unaltered. The two-piece buckle chinstrap assembly remains fully operational while maintaining its original condition. The production of Fallschirmjäger helmets with double decals occurred in restricted numbers during the early war period for use in operations like Crete and airborne missions in Norway and the Netherlands. The double decals became obsolete under later regulations which reduced the number of surviving examples thus making this artifact highly sought after by collectors. This Luftwaffe paratrooper helmet is a combat-used, historically rich artifact representing the elite German airborne units of World War II.
History:
The M38 Paratrooper Helmet served as a combat equipment developed exclusively for German Luftwaffe Fallschirmjager paratroopers during World War II. The M38 entered service in 1938 as a revolutionary update to previous German helmet designs including the M35 through specific design changes for airborne operations. The M38 Paratrooper Helmet eliminated its standard side skirt flares because these features increased the danger of neck injuries during parachute jumps. The helmet received a strengthened shell combined with a four-point liner suspension system which included extra internal padding to enhance impact absorption during parachute landings. The chinstrap system underwent changes to implement a stronger leather harness which maintained helmet stability throughout jumps and combat operations. The M38 helmet with double decals stands as one of the most recognizable and highly desired versions among collectors. The helmets displayed two distinctive decals which included the Luftwaffe eagle insignia on the left side and the national tri-color shield on the right side. The initial production phase of helmets displayed both decals, but subsequent manufacturing followed different regulations which resulted in single decal or no decals on later models. Eisenhüttenwerk Thale produced numerous M38 helmets which received manufacturer codes and batch numbers stamped inside the shell. Original M38 Paratrooper Helmets from World War 2 hold dual value because they serve both functional and aesthetic purposes while representing Germany's airborne forces who fought in major battles including Crete and the Low Countries and Western Front defenses. Unrestored M38 Paratrooper Helmets from the WW2 German Luftwaffe with complete decals are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors who seek original paint and liner and markings.
