Very Rare Luftwaffe Fallschirmjäger M38 Combat Helmet

Description

2/18/26- For sale is a very rare Luftwaffe fallschirmjäger's M38 combat helmet. The fallschirmjäger were the Luftwaffe's elite paratroopers and were involved in several daring and dramatic actions early in the war, including the invasions of Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and Greece. They also participated in the "rescue" of Mussolini in 1943. Because they were an elite unit, these authentic fallschirmjäger helmets are very rare. There is wear and patina on the exterior of the helmet but most of the original paint is intact and there are no spots of notable rust. The aluminum bolts look nice and are the middle to later war pattern. The helmet has a single decal that has some wear and scuffing to it but the eagle wings and head are still visible, along with the swastika in the claws. The helmet rim has the correct subtle curve to it. The helmet interior has the appropriate triple liner of an aluminum shell, thick padded spacers for head protection during a parachute jump, and then the ventilated leather liner itself. The leather is well aged and a few of the stitches are coming loose, a good indication that the stitching is old rather than new and undamaged. The leather is stamped with the appropriate markings, including size information that matches the shell size and the liner manufacturer. The edges of the helmet are appropriately rolled over and have the right stampings, including the "ET66" size and maker code and the "5039" lot code, which falls in the known range of M38 helmets. The chinstraps are included but have torn, so the main strap assembly is attached by the two straps at the back of the head, meaning the two side straps are torn. Helmet is overall in very good condition and very rare!