My SS M-40

[Jody]

Hi Guys,
I would like to share with you my Waffen-SS M-40 w/2nd pattern runes. This piece was veteran obtained back in 1991.

Regards,
Jody

[Jody]

SS M-40

Here is a close-up of the 2n pattern rune decal. I shot it at an angle, so it is a little blurry.
Regards,
Jody

[Edelweiss]

Nice one !
That's the kind of Graal I'm questing for...

[Ty Smith]

Nice one Jody,
Really like the looks of that one. Did you happen to get any story on how it was obtained?

[Luca]

Nice one!

Nice one Jody!!!
Can you post a pic of the liner??
And tell us the helmet "curriculum"
Cheers
Luca

[darryl-P]

I agree with everyone Jody...very nice helmet indeed. An "ET" I presume?

[Jody]

SS M-40

Thank fellas,
The helmet is marked ET 64. I will try to get a picture of the liner and the name painted on the inside.

The helmet was captured by an 82nd AB vet during the Bulge. By the way, the veteran kept the helmet in his garage and kept-nails, screws, nuts and bolts in it.

I like this helmet a lot. It is not mint, but it is a 100% good un-messed with piece. This helmet has a lot of character and when most people see it in person, they want it . I think I have had more offers on this helmet than any other piece of headgear in my collection. As others have said, real pieces scream out originality and leave no doubts.
Regards,
Jody

[darryl-P]

Jody,
You got that right...that helmet is as "right as rain", either in pictures or in the flesh. BTW, the size should be an even number such as 66 or 68. I'm happy that I guessed the maker as ET...the puzzle is slowing fitting together.

[Jody]

SS M-40

Hi Darryl,
It was ET 64 I made a typing mistake. I am glad you like the helmet.
Jody

[Theodor]

Excellent!!! ...but the chinstrap? Did the German soldiers ever put it this way, over the visor? I have read that they never did this and also this damages both the paint and the chinstrap. So - did German put the straps this way and would it really damage the lid?

[Ty Smith]

Actually, most of my vet aquired helmets have the chinstrap over the visor. I also have seen photos of them in use this way. I think from a collecting point of view it is best not to put over the visor and to have them tucked neatly under. Over many many years I guess it could damage the leather and maybe the paint but all of mine are just like I got them, over the visor...
good question..

[darryl-P]

Yes, there are many period photos depicting this practise by German soldiers. It was obviously done in a non-combat situation when at rest.

As a collector, I do not do this. I keep the chinstrap tucked under up inside the liner area. I have received some of my helmets with the chinstrap over the visor and it takes months (if not years) for the leather to gradually come back to it's normal shape.

Again, to each his own but I feel the helmet looks nicer without the chinstrap obscuring the natural lines of the shell.

[Jody]

M-40 SS

Hi guys,
Actually I don't keep the straps over the visors either, but I took these photos a few years back and I did it for the photo.

When I got the M-40 SS, the vet had it slipped over the visor, that is what probably kept it intact.
Jody

[Perry Floyd]

Nice helmet Jody, love those SS ones...
I think there was a regulation stating when not in use the chinstrap was to be placed over the visor. This was for a neater appearance, it was not supposed to be left dangling unbuckled. This directive can be found in the Baer book..
Today it's a matter of collector choice. The worst stress point for a chinstrap is the folded area around the chinstrap bale..

[SgtB]

Nice bucket, Jody!

Definitely a one-looker!

I like keeping the chinstrap over the visor if possible. It stays
out of trouble there and looks neat-o. As long as it is kept dust-
free and out of direct sunlight it should last the lifetime of the helmet.