Model: Stahlhelm 1940

Year: 1940

Manufacturer: FW QUIST - Esslingen

Size: 57 (Pot 64)

Right side marking: Q64 (manufacturer and size)

Back marking: DN212 (lot)

Trim marking: RBNr: 0/1305

 

 

German helmet model M40. This helmet is a variant of the earlier M35 design, in which the rivets for the air vents are removed and replaced with stamped holes.

 

The helmet is matt olive green (RAL 6006), and has the two side decals (national and Heer colors) that were statutory until March 21, 1940, date from which the tricolor decal for used helmets disappears. on the front. The interior trim is the M1931 model.

 

The helmet bears the manufacturer's mark on the right side with the size and on the back the manufacturing batch number preceded by DN (Deutsch norm).

 

There are discussions about whether the existence of a model M40 helmet with a double decal is possible, but it can be thought (there are opinions on the matter) that the helmets manufactured during the first months of 1940 would have a double decal. Note the low manufacturing lot number DN212 on the hull. As well as that batches of helmets destined for the troops in the rear guard carried the double decal.

 

Reinforcing this point of view and according tothis forum, the lot number 100.010 has been observed in a model M40 helmet from the manufacturer Q (FW Quist), and considering that Q manufactured the M40 model from 1940 to 1944 (5 years), it can be deduced that lot 212 could correspond to the first month of manufacture.

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To reinforce we find expert opinions such as the one that is transferred below:

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http://www.militarytrader.com/

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By Peter Suciu

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"MYTH #3. German Model 1940 Helmets Should Only Have A Single Decal
   The myth: The German Wehrmacht realized that the pre-war “Apple Green” and “Parade Blue” helmets used respectively by the Army/SS and Luftwaffe weren' t ideal for combat and, more importantly, the tri-color shield made it too easy for soldiers to be seen. The order was given to remove existing decals and that all future helmets would be issued with a single decal. Thus, only Model 1935 helmets should have two decals  — and thus be “double decal.”
   The truth: The truth is part of the myth. The Germans did change the color of the helmets from green to a darker gray color, and the decals were indeed ordered off. But that's where the truth ends and the myth begins. The order didn't strike at midnight on January 1, 1940 and some Model 1940 helmets, with the modified vents, were produced with two decals. “At least two of the factories (ET and Q) continued for a short time to produce Heer (army) and SS helmets in double decal configuration after the switch to the Model 40 helmet shell and after the switch to 1940 specifications of the painted finish ,” stresses Niewiarowcz. “Of course, helmets supplied to the feldgendarmes continued to be adorned with two decals until the end of the war.”