WWII German M42 Helmet
The M42 helmet was introduced in August 1942. A key feature of this type of helmet is the unrolled edge found on the earlier helmets.
1942
Vereinigte Deutsche Nikelwerke
The surface of the helmet is a dark flat textured finish in field-gray. The light tan leather headliner is in good condition and is stamped #57. The liner has grommets on the inside of the drawstring holes. The manufacturer code and size inside the helmet is NS64 with a serial number D479 ('D' is backwards). "NS64" indicates the helmet is a size 64cm and was manufactured by Vereinigte Deutsche Nikelwerke of Schwerte, Germany (Prussian province of Westphalia, northeast of Hagen). According to German-Helmets.com, "The firm in Schwerte employed French prisoners captured during the invasion of France and well as Russian women captured in Eastern territories. These prisoners were held in slave labor camps close to the production facilities or within their confines.". The overall the helmet condition is good with minor surface rust, scuffs & scratches from age. There is an inspection stamp in dome but is not clear. The liner band is marked D.R.P. 1943. The 1943 date is in a line rather than curved.
The seller stated the helmet was from a 88 year old veterans estate, although I can't verify it. The plastic strap that came with the helmet has been replaced with an original one from Bill Shea. This is my first German WWII helmet and is featured in my banner logo. The layout will be better when I take better pictures. (20071207)