Original German WWII M35 Kriegsmarine Battleship Gray Camouflaged (Ex Single Decal) Helmet SE64
The helmet appears to have been a barn find in France. It retains about 50% or more of the Battleship gray spray paint. The Kriegsmarine decal is about 90% covered with small parts of the golden Kriegsmarine eagle and black background of the decal showing through. The helmet was originally painted dark fieldgray from the factory with textured finish and Kriegsmarine decal applied. Most likely the helmet was made in 1940 and has an aluminum reinforced liner band with rounded chinstrap bales. The inside of the visor rim and skirt were also painted Battleship gray with some getting onto the liner band. There appears to be soldiers name that painted over, but some of it is showing through. The leather liner is supple, but has several mice eaten holes and the sewn seam in the rear is coming apart. The drawstring was added by us. Chinstrap is original to the helmet, rust on the metal buckle and has been shortened. It is a little dry and could use some leather conditioner.
EXTERIOR
This original German WWII M35 Kriegsmarine single decal helmet retains approximately 50% or more of its wartime-applied battleship gray camouflage overpaint, giving the helmet a strong combat-used appearance. The helmet was originally factory finished in dark fieldgray textured paint with a Kriegsmarine decal applied before later receiving the naval gray camouflage finish, likely during wartime service. The Kriegsmarine eagle decal remains visible beneath the overpaint, with portions of the golden eagle and black shield still showing through the camouflage paint. The camouflage paint extends onto the interior visor rim and skirt, with some overspray also visible on the liner band. An apparent painted-over soldier’s name can still faintly be seen beneath the camouflage layer. The shell retains its original rounded chinstrap bales and aluminum reinforced liner band, features commonly seen on early production M35 helmets. All three original split pins remain intact. The shell was manufactured by Sächsische Emaillier und Stanzwerke A.G. (SE) of Lauter, Germany and is marked SE64 with lot number 4794. This helmet was most likely discovered in a French barn or shed, which would explain the untouched surface patina and storage wear seen throughout.
INTERIOR
The interior retains its original aluminum reinforced liner band, leather liner, and chinstrap. The leather liner remains supple overall but does show several areas of mouse damage along with separation to the sewn rear seam. One liner finger is torn. The drawstring is a replacement added by us. The original chinstrap remains attached to the helmet and shows age, dryness, and rusting to the metal buckle hardware. The chinstrap also appears to have been shortened during its period of use.
CONDITION
Very good untouched wartime condition overall with strong combat-used character and display appeal. A desirable original German WWII M35 Kriegsmarine camouflage helmet retaining a significant amount of its battleship gray overpaint, traces of the original Kriegsmarine decal, and all major original components. The helmet displays honest age, storage wear, and likely barn-find character consistent with long-term wartime use and postwar storage.
