Germany, Kriegsmarine. An M40 Stahlhelm, Single Decal Version, by Quist

 (Kriegsmarine Stahlhelm M40). A Heer M40 Stahlhelm, constructed of a single sheet of magnetic molybdenum steel which retains the majority of a wartime apple-green paint scheme. Three rivets are distributed around the outer circumference of the shell for the accommodation of the interior fixtures, while the crown is also flanked by a pair of integral ventilation holes. A decal is set in place directly beneath the left hole, and consists of a black shield overlaid by a gilded Heer-style German national eagle clutching a mobile swastika, measuring 32 mm (w) x 40 mm (h). The rim is fully crimped, providing a smooth edge throughout. The interior is surrounded by a magnetic metal ring, held in position with the shell rivets, which features a brown leather liner culminating in eight fingers, each perforated with five ventilation holes and an additional eyelet through which is looped an original drawstring. Two magnetic metal buckles descend from the ring and retain an original two-piece blackened leather chinstrap, perforated on one side with an array of eyelets to fit through a functional magnetic metal buckle. Stamped onto the left side of the skirt is a code of “Q64”, indicating production by Quist, Esslingen, with a shell size of 64. An additional partially-legible heat code is stamped onto the back of the skirt. The Stahlhelm measures approximately 23 cm (w) x 28 cm (l) x 14 cm (h). Issues consistent with age and field use are evident, and include spots of period paint restoration (particularly adjacent to the decal), some additional loss of paint, and moderate material fatigue to the leather liner with partial detachment from the ring. It remains in an overall better than very fine condition.