Germany, Luftwaffe. An M40 Double Decal Stahlhelm, Owner-Attributed, by Sächsische Emaillier- und Stanzwerke

(Luftwaffe Stahlhelm M40). A well-preserved Luftwaffe double decal M40 Stahlhelm (steel helmet), constructed of a single sheet of magnetic molybdenum steel which retains the majority of its original slate-grey paint. Three rivets are distributed around the outer circumference for the accommodation of the interior hardware, while the crown is also flanked by integral ventilation shafts. A decal situated below the right shaft consists of a red, white, and black tri-colour shield, and measures 35 mm (w) x 40 mm (h). An additional decal applied below the left shaft consists of a silver-grey Luftwaffe eagle clutching a mobile swastika, with feathering and details highlighted in black, measuring 60 mm (w) x 40 mm (h) overall. The rim is fully crimped, providing the skirt with a smooth edge. An aluminum ring surrounds the interior of the crown, fixed in position with the shell rivets, and accommodates a brown leather liner which culminates in eight fingers, each perforated with five ventilation holes and topped by an additional eyelet which retains an original drawstring. Two aluminum loops flank the ring and retain an original two-piece leather chinstrap, adjusted with a functional aluminum buckle. Stamped onto the left side of the skirt is a code of “SE62”, indicating manufacture by Sächsische Emaillier- und Stanzwerke, Lauter, with a shell size of 62. A heat code of “3244” is visible at the back of the skirt. Notably, a handwritten owner’s name of “UFFZ. MICULCY” had been applied over the heat code in white paint. Measuring 22.5 cm (w) x 27.5 cm (l) x 14.5 cm (h), the helmet demonstrates minor issues consistent with age and field use, including sporadic loss of paint throughout the shell resulting in some surface oxidation, scratching and deterioration to the decals, and minor material fatigue to the leather elements. This unaltered and early war Luftwaffe helmet, attributed to its wartime owner, remains in an overall better than very fine condition.