Original OUTSTANDING WWII German M38 Luftwaffe FallschirmjÃger Paratrooper Helmet Certified By The Gettysburg Museum Of History

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Original OUTSTANDING WWII German M38 Luftwaffe FallschirmjÃger Paratrooper Helmet Certified By The Gettysburg Museum Of History. As a result of observations of the Russian experimentation with the newly developing paratroop personnel in 1928 the Germans began serious consideration of also developing paratroop units and plans were drawn up for formation of such units in late 1935. Both the Luftwaffe and Army eventually established paratrooper units, consisting of voluntary personnel, on January 29TH 1936 and March 31ST 1937 respectively and a paratroop training school was established at Stendal in early 1937. Originally development of special clothing and equipment was undertaken by both branches of service to provide the paratroopers with functional items specifically designed with parachute jumps in mind until January 1ST 1939 when all the paratrooper units were transferred to control of the Luftwaffe. One of the items developed for the paratroopers was a specially designed helmet first introduced in 1935. This first pattern helmet was found unsuitable and a second pattern was introduced on June 16TH 1938, and remained in use until the end of the war with minor variations. Second pattern, stamped sheet steel construction, paratrooper helmet retains a good portion of its original  paint. All four, early, steel, spanner type, liner retention bolts are present along with washer for each. The reverse interior apron is well marked with faint stamped serial/lot number, “5071” and the manufacturers code and size, “ET 68” This wonderful Fallschirmjäger helmet retains 95% of its originally applied, dark green/blue, rough texture combat finish. It is in near excellent condition with no damage or dents.  This example has a crisp vibrant decal that is excellent, remaining 85% intact. The interior features a soft, brown leather liner is size 55 (6 7/8 US). It is well marked . It is nicely ink stamped with maker and size markings of the liner (55) and the shell (66) as follows: Kopfweite: Gr. 55 Stahlhelm: Gr. 66 Seen between the liner band the liner itself are the complete seven charcoal foam pads; the entire assembly is attached to the shell via four correct wartime original bolts. VERY NICE straps,  there is some slight tearing on the liner (see photos) most likely from a size adjustment for the original wearer.   The side of the interior shell is stamped ET66 and the rear of the skirt is stamped with the steel lot number 5071. All paratrooper helmets were produced by Eisenhuttenwerke AG of Thale. This example is a shell size 66 and was produced some time in 1940 – 1942.  100% Guaranteed to be authentic Complete museum documentation (COA) Provided. Certified by The Gettysburg Museum of   History.   Please see our  other items.  Also note when browsing our web site there are several pages of items, at the bottom of the list look for other page numbers. Very nice  Combat Used! Do Not Miss This One! ONE OF THE CLASSIC GERMAN WWII  PARATOOPER HELMETS! DON’T MISS THIS, FIRST ONE WE HAD IN A WHILE! THIS IS FRESH OUT OF THE WOODS! If you want the BEST this is it!