This original early-WWII German M35 helmet has suffered a substantial shrapnel hit to its top. Given the missing interior components and thin layer of soap residue throughout, it's quite likely its original owner was wearing it when struck (surviving comrades would often remove soiled liners in order to use helmets as grave-markers without attracting flies). When this helmet was originally issued, it exhibited a semi-gloss factory finish and a decal on each side. Following combat use, it underwent a wartime refurbishment, where the helmet was painted in a textured feldgrau finish. Beneath its repaint we can still see its original, albeit heavily worn, decals. The inside brim is size stamped EF62 along with the lot number of 13000, denoting 1939 production by the Emaillierwerke A.G., Fulda factory. The stampings correspond with a confirmed Waffen SS helmet recorded within Brian Ice's German Helmet Lot Numbers 1935-1945, however we believe this helmet was originally a Heer example. One can only imagine what this helmet has witnessed.