M-35 DD Kriegsmarine

[Kenny Suit]

Hello everyone:

I'm a new member, and I'd value your opinions on this M-35 DD KM I purchased in December 1998.

When I purchased this helmet, I thought it was 100% original with a variant National Colors decal. But I've recently begun to doubt that variant decals of this type were produced.

The National Colors decal is not the standard size. It is smaller than normal -- approximately 32mm wide by 36mm tall. However, it appears to be original to the helmet. There is a line of rust along the lower left edge of the decal that would, to me, indicate that the decal has been there a long time. The decal has not been trimmed smaller, because the original clear edging to the decal is visible on all sides.

The Kriegsmarine shield has the correct dimensions (33cm x 40 cm). The eagle itself is made of a bright gold metallic material that does not reproduce well in the photograph.

I have read and re-read the various threads on this site regarding KM and Army decals, and I must confess that I am now very confused when it comes to identifying an original eagle decal (regardless of whether it is an Army or KM decal).

The helmet shell and liner are original and do not appear to be messed with. The exterior and interior of the shell exhibit spots of rust that are bleeding through the paint here and there. The shell was manufactured by SE and has a fairly nice 1938 dome stamp on the inside. The liner is also dated 1938.

Attached are photos of the helmet, with close-ups of the decals.

This helmet is now a questionable one in my collection. What's your opinion?

-- Kenny

[Kenny Suit]

M-35 Dd Km

Here is a close-up of the National Colors decal.

[Kenny Suit]

M-35 Dd Km

Here is a close-up of the KM eagle decal.

[Kenny Suit]

M-35 Dd Km

And here is the inside of the helmet.

[alter-art]

Sorry but your helmet is .

Decals sure and I want see some close up of the liner and the paint.

[francis006]

Hello Kenny ,
there are not a lot of good things IMO (at least decals and paint are bad) ,sorry

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Kenny, welcome to the forum.


I think that you are correct to have serious concerns over this helmet. This one has been completely rebuilt, new paint, repro decals, etc.

If possible I would try and return it to the original seller and seek a refund.

Cheers, Ade.

[Kenny Suit]

More photos

Thanks for the comments.

Here are additional photos of the interior as requested. This is the rear skirt.

[Kenny Suit]

The exterior of the rear skirt, again showing rust spotting.

[Kenny Suit]

The exterior side skirt.

[Kenny Suit]

The interior of the liner, showing how the chinstrap attachment has sheared away from the early-style non-reinforced liner band.

[Kenny Suit]

A shot of the leather liner and drawstring; also showing the texture of the paint in the crown of the hemet interior.

[Kenny Suit]

A close-up of the inspection stamp, which is faded but dated 1938.

[Kenny Suit]

Additional comments, please...

That's all the photos for now. Thanks to the European members for their comments.

I would appreciate additional comments from you and other members, particularly regarding the decals and paint. Simply saying "it's bad" doesn't really help me understand why you think the helmet has been fraudulently manipulated. I would especially value specific comments regarding the decals and paint, since they seem to be the focus of your attention.

The eagle decal resembles the "thin-winged" example in Goodapple, Vol.2. It's close, but not exact. So, my question is: how much variation in decal designs should one expect in original examples? And how does one know conclusively whether a questionable decal is fake or simply an original example with slight variations in the design?

Regarding a refund from the seller? No chance, I'm afraid. I bought this helmet in 1998.

All is not lost, however. If the general consensus is that the helmet has been "restored" with the intent to deceive, I suppose a reenactor might want it since it is a huge sized shell (68).

[Perry Floyd]

Kenny your decals are waterslide decals lacking layered construction found on originals. The shell color is slightly off from pre-war colors found on originals. Your helmet also has recently accelerated rust to give it some resemblance of age and patina although lacking actual wear in these areas. I feel your liner may very well be a original. Sorry for the news.