This is an original early-WWII German ferntrauung miniature helmet. These were produced in Germany during the early days of the Third Reich as wedding presents. With war raging, soldiers were unable to take leave from the frontlines. Ferntrauung, or “remote weddings”, became popular following the Civil Status Act of 1939. Provided the bride and groom could both prove Aryan descent, a marriage certificate would be issued by Wehrmacht high command, which would then be sanctioned by the groom’s battalion commander. The groom would then participate in a field ceremony, officiated by his commanding officer in the presence of the members of his unit, and usually with a photograph of his bride present. Once the field ceremony was complete, the paperwork was then mailed to the bride for her ceremony, which would take place at her hometown’s registry office. This ceremony, often known as a “steel helmet wedding”, was confirmed by two witnesses at the registry office, with either a full-sized or miniature stahlhelm acting as a place-holder for the groom. The helmets were decorated with the insignia of the groom’s branch of service. The bride would then be presented the helmet as a gift at the end of the ceremony. This particular example is in great condition, retaining much of its feldgrau finish and Heer decals.