M35 Double Decal Police Helmet

Product Description: This is an exceptional example of a German WWII M35 Double Decal Police Helmet—an untouched, factory-original piece that exemplifies top-tier condition and collector desirability. This helmet has not been reissued or restored in any way; it remains precisely as it left the Eisenhüttenwerk Thale factory in the 1930s, offering a rare opportunity to acquire a textbook prewar Police helmet in nearly pristine condition.

The exterior retains the vast majority 95% of its original smooth apple green factory paint, with only minimal signs of honest wear and a few scattered surface marks consistent with age. Both decals are truly outstanding—virtually untouched and factory-applied, they retain nearly 96% of their original detail with crisp color, strong definition, and subtle, uniform toning from age. Both are sealed under their original factory lacquer, a clear indicator of authenticity and preservation.

The interior is equally impressive. The helmet is fitted with its correct early reinforced aluminum liner band, which supports a beautiful, supple leather liner that shows only minimal wear and remains perfectly intact. The liner is size-stamped “55,” and the shell itself is marked “ET62” for Eisenhüttenwerk Thale in size 62, with the lot number “3564” stamped into the rear skirt. A particularly desirable feature is the clear and bold acceptance stamp in the dome, dated 1937—a fine factory marking that adds to this helmet’s untouched appeal.

The chinstrap is full-length and remains attached to the original bales. It is dated 1940 and remains in very good condition overall, with one tear located near the center that does not affect its display.

M35 Police helmets in this level of preservation are becoming increasingly difficult to locate. This example stands out as a true collector-grade piece—an unmolested helmet with all the characteristics one looks for: excellent paint, nearly perfect decals, original liner and strap, and complete factory markings. It would be a crown jewel in any advanced helmet collection. Condition rates as excellent plus plus.

Historical Description: When the German Army first marched into war in 1914, it went to the front lines wearing the traditional “Picklehaube” helmets. The war soon developed to necessitate the need for an improved headgear to protect the wearer. The German Army developed the M16 helmet in 1915 and began issuing it in mass quantity to its fighting troops in 1916. The M16 underwent changes to bring about the next model, the M18. Both the M16 and M18 saw use by the German Army during WW1, as well as the interwar years by the Reichswehr and Freikorps. In 1931, a new liner system was developed. The M16 and M18 helmets were in mass supply right up to the time the Nazi Party took control of the German government. During Adolf Hitler’s rearming of the German military in the early 1930’s, the M16 and M18 helmets saw extensive refitting with the newer liner system, fresh paint, and the addition of a centralized decal system for the newly formed Wehrmacht’s respective branches. Decals were generally placed on each side of the helmet, one side being the branch and the other the national colors shield or party shield. In 1935, the M35 helmet was introduced. This new design was lighter and more streamlined than the older style helmets and is what the world now recognizes as the iconic helmet of the German Military. M35 helmets can most easily be identified from the separate rivet ventholes and rolled edges. With the outbreak of war, some changes were made to bring in a new model, the M40. The changes made to this new model was the use of a more matte field grey finish and the vent holes were now integral to the helmets shell. In 1940, the national colors decals and party shields were ordered to be removed. It should be noted that many M35 helmets were brought up to date by repainting them with the matte field grey finish and/or other modifications if necessary. These refitted helmets are what collectors now term “reissue helmets”. The next model helmet to evolve was the M42. The model M42 has the same features of the M40 with the exception of the edges of the helmet not being rolled and remain flared. This was to speed up production and lower cost as the war dragged on and the German economy began changing to a total war economy. In 1943 all decals were ordered to be removed from combat helmets.

We are the leading team of military antique specialists. We have specialized in military antiques for over 25 years.

Epic Artifacts offers the highest prices available for your collectibles.

We purchase single items, entire collections, or family estates. Inquiries

Feel free to email us directly: info@epicartifacts.com