SOLD - Very Rare Single Decal Waffen SS M40 Helmet

Description

10/26/26 - This is a very nice example of a rare single-decal (possibly double-decal) Waffen SS M40 helmet manufactured by Quist. This M40 bears the "Q66" maker shell size on the underside of the brim just above the left ear. On the rear of the helmet underneath the brim is the lot number which is "0782". The right side of the helmet bears an SS decal which is still mostly present, with the only real loss present towards the top of the decal. The reason we put that this was possibly a double-decal is that on the left side of the helmet where the second decal would normally be, there is only a small remnant of what appears to be the correct Nazi Party Shield decal, though it was probably removed to "de-nazify" the helmet. This early lot number of Quist helmets have documented both single-decal and double-decal SS helmets so either option could be viable. The finish on this helmet is still in very nice condition with very minimal finish loss. There are a few scratches present on the crown of the helmet which have exposed the bare metal below, but other than that, there are only surface level blemishes present. The brim of the helmet shows now signs of any finish loss, though there are 2 spots on the interior of the brim that appear to have white paint drops on them, and some light speckling of the paint on the left inside of the helmet. The entirety of the shell has a beautiful patina present, though it has retained a majority of its original color. The metal liner rivets show some dents on the head of rivet, but are full functional with a tight fit. The liner is in excellent condition with no rips or tears. There is some thinning/cracking near the bottom rim of the liner opening, though none of this damage has seemed to penetrate the outer finish later. The right side of the liner has what appears to be "N. Piren" written in ink. The leather chin strap is broken and missing the end of the sizing side, however the fastener and a majority of the strap is in tact and has remained sturdy yet pliable. There is some cracking toward the mounting bracket end of the leather straps, however these do not seem to have penetrated the exterior layer and do not show signs of any breaking or tearing. Overall a very nice example of a rare Waffen SS helmet.