This is an original early-WWII German manufactured M38 fallschirmjäger helmet shell. The inside brim is size stamped ET68, lot number 4937, denoting mid-1940 production by the Eisenhüttenwerke, Thale factory. It features all the characteristics one hopes to find on an original example, including the 'dip' at the helmet's front and the rim crease resulting from the manufacturing process. There is minor rusting thoughout, however the helmet retains much of its original factory paint finish. The wearer's left side appears to have once been adorned with an original Luftwaffe decal, likely removed by the returning veteran. Retaining its original solid steel bolts, this helmet makes for the ideal restoration candidate and will display quite nicely when completed with original accessories.