FT.Monmouth1943 Posted May 1, 2021 Share #1 Posted May 1, 2021 Here is a salty M35 helmet that was brought back by M a n u e l l V a r g a s , who according to his family, started out in Africa as a gunner on a tank and was part of the assault with the allies from Africa into Italy. From there he went into France and was in Amsterdam and then in Germany. The family said they might have notes from an interview they did with him that’ll be very informative, as well as another medal he brought back and photos he took during the war. Apparently he brought back a lot more stuff, but they were sadly stolen years ago. As for the M35 helmet, it’s in pretty salty shape. It originally had a grey parade finish, and then it was painted over with a textured matte grey paint. The majority of the markings are covered up, but I believe the shell was made by NS. Sadly the chinstrap and liner are on the dry side and have cracks and stains, and there’s a decent amount of surface rust on the top of the lid, but it’s not everyday you get a helmet directly from the family. If anyone has more information about the helmet, I would greatly appreciate it! - Jakob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FT.Monmouth1943 Posted May 1, 2021 Author Share #2 Posted May 1, 2021 The closeup of the one partial marking that’s visible is at the rear of the helmet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Keith Posted May 1, 2021 Share #3 Posted May 1, 2021 Thanks for posting this, the Veteran ID puts it above many other German helmets out there! BKW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kadet Posted May 1, 2021 Share #4 Posted May 1, 2021 Your helmet is what collectors call an M35 reissue. It was originally made with a smooth parade finish, double decals and an early liner system. Later in the war these helmets were factory or depot reissued with a combat finish that covered one or both of the decals depending on the time frame. Yours also seems to have been fitted with a late war liner system owing to the alloy band and cheaper leather. Tough from the pics, but the bluish color makes it looks like a Luftwaffe helmet to me. The brown chin strap is also a feature of many Luftwaffe helmets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FT.Monmouth1943 Posted May 2, 2021 Author Share #5 Posted May 2, 2021 Thank you for the information! Could very well be a Luftwaffe piece. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1st Sgt CES Posted May 3, 2021 Share #6 Posted May 3, 2021 nice helmet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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