My new M40 DD SS

[TonyM]

This is my latest SS addition. A Q with depot applied pocher decals in minty condition, dont think it made it past the store room. Hope you guys like it.

[TonyM]

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[Niederlande]

I am speachless

Regards,

Niederlande

[foamspoon]

Tony,

This is only my opinion. I know a lot of more knowedgable collectors have given this helmet a thumbs up. No expert but I believe that everything on this helmet is original I only question when the decals were applied. Here are my thoughts on why I have questions:

1. IMO late war lotnr. with rear markings.
2. Decal wear to me does not match up with the overall condition of the shell. To me it looks like post applied decals.

We will never know. It is possible that the helmet is 100% depot applied decals. Just my thoughts and no disrespect intented.

Bryan

[TonyM]

Hi Bryan,
Do not worry no offence taken. When I first saw the helmet pictured, I had a slight hesitation , but then I asked the SS helmet experts and they all gave it the thumbs up, which is good enough for me. In my humble opinion the decals fit with the rest of the condition of the helmet. There are a couple of small nicks to the decasl but this is probably caused by small knocks either wartime or postwar, one cannot say.
Having in my collection many SS helmets , some with decals like this , I can say I have 100% confidence that it will stay in my collection.

[BryanD]

Some times when it looks to good to be true. IT IS TRUE ANYWAY.

[M35]

M40 Dd Ss

Very attractive helmet. I have to agree with Bryan 100% though. Certainly not the "textbook" M40 DD SS. Just my own observation, but the decal wear/flaking is typical of post war applications.

Can you see the liner band date?

Regards,
Terry

[WalterB]

I understand the concept of manufacturer-applied decals as well as individual soldier-applied decals. How common was it for decals to be applied at the depot level? How common was it for the depot to apply decals and then not issue the helmet? If I understand the progression correctly, this helmet must have been at the depot level and issued double decals in the beginning months of 1940 and then remained unissued from 1940 through 1945.

I am generally very wary of M40 SS double decals.

[peacenotwar]

This is a neverending question when we see an helmet like this one; undoubtedly helmets Q m40 ND and m42 ND of any maker fit perfecly for the purpose.
The helmet and the decals are without doubt original but in my opinion they have been postwar applied; the flaking is suspect but my concerns are most of all for the lot nr, not compatible for a DD and very weird for a depot sticking as well. Anyway, who knows for sure? My 2 cents.
Mauro