Near Mint Unissued German M38 Paratrooper Combat Helmet

An exceptional example of the Model 1938 Fallschirmjaeger paratrooper helmet that appears to have never been issued or worn. The helmet has the later aluminum spanner bolts and aluminum liner ring. The rear of the interior helmet shell is marked “ckl68”, indicating a size 68 helmet shell manufactured by the firm of Eisenhuttenwerke in Thale. This was one of the largest sizes for a paratrooper helmet; the only size larger was a 71 centimeter size). The exterior blue-gray combat paint is essentially 100% intact. The interior liner is complete and shows no stains or other signs of ever having been worn. The unique four strap harness system for securing the helmet to the head is present. The leather straps are supple and they are also complete and uncut. The helmet has no decals and obviously never had any, as it was produced at a point in the war when helmet decals were no longer being applied and, in fact, soldiers in the field were instructed to remove them. The exterior of the helmet has some spots and scratches, all of which were likely sustained when the helmet was stacked on a shelf in a storage facility. The helmet is simply a superb example of a German paratrooper combat helmet in complete and untouched condition.