Direct from the battlefield (2) - well almost!

[mr slug]

Clive, that is exactly where it should be, it is a production run No. There should be another marking, also on the inner rim near the wearers ear. I would guess a 'Q' number, Quist. Maybe a 62, 64, 66.......to donate size, I cant read the sz on the liner, but if it is 56 or 57, then the shell would be a 64. hence 'Q64'. a 58/59 liner would be 'Q66', 54/55-'Q62' and so on. Hope this helps.

Regards Mr Slug.

[seebee1]

Many thanks for the advice, I will have to go check this out, I did not notice any other stamping but may have missed it. Regards, Clive.

[seebee1]

I had missed the stamping, it is hard to make out due to the paint, here it is. Regards, Clive.

[mr slug]

Yep,

Thats a Q.........It had to be a 'Q' because of the letter preceeding the lot No, it is followed by a 6 and ?, either a '2' or a '6' maybe even an '8'

The sz on the liner will tell you exactly what that last number is. Compare it with my earlier post, and you can work it out, or tell us what the liner size is.

regards Mr Slug.

[seebee1]

Number stamped on Liner. Regards, Clive.

[mr slug]

Hi Clive, that looks like a '58', that makes the helmet stamping 'Q66',

You could always confirm this by checking on the zinc liner band. Carefully peek down beside the leather and the band. It will have the numbers and maker stamped in the band, but it will be in reverse because it is stamped from the outside, the side now against the shell.........something like 66Na/58, and the manufacturer of the liner system..........but be careful, that is a great original helmet !

regards Mr Slug.

[grip3846]

A real beauty

Clive,
That is a real beauty,for a guy who does not collect German stuff,you have a very nice base from where to start!
Perhaps the painter was practising his technique on the underside before starting the outer!
As has been said,provenance is everything,however it should be noted that every seller has a story,the Veteran though was a friend and that makes a difference,in my book anyway.
Congatulations on a splendid untouched helmet.
Regards,Ivan.

[seebee1]

Thank you for your comments, items that have originated from those who have become friends certainly does mean a lot to me. Though I have said I do not collect German material, I have in my time, but no longer due to going in a different collecting direction. I still have a number items, hopefully the majority are original, but the reproduction of German items put me off a long time ago. I bought a very expensive SS Dagger that turned out to be bad, big struggle to get my money back and that finally ended my serious interest. regards, Clive.

[Ken Carroll]

Guys,

I have a question. I do not collect German helmets, so please bear with me. I was under the impression that all the liners had 8 tongues. Is it also possible to have 9?

Thanks,

Ken

[mr slug]

Hi Ken, A very valid question. Most German helmet liners do indeed have only 8 tongues, a very good rule of thumb because post war liners have nine to allow for a range of adjustment. With the WW2 liners however, the larger sizes sometimes have 8 1/2 ( as this appears to me) or 9. The smaller ones have been known to have 7.

regards Mr Slug.

[Ken Carroll]

Thank you Mr Slug, just trying to learn.

Regards,

Ken