M35 Double Decal Police Combat Helmet

This is the 2nd Helmet from my own collection that I am moving on. This Helmet has an amazing story to it and is an exceptional example of a M35 Double Decal Police Helmet. Purchased directly from the “Vet” in 1998 who brought it back in ’45 It was “liberated from a “Firefight” around the police station in Hamburg Germany in March / April of that year. I was told the story by the vet himself who explained “we told them to surrender, and when we gave a short burst – They did” “ members of the South Wales Borderers claimed it, only one “won it” Their names are in the photos.

Completely untouched and factory-original example exemplifies top-tier condition and collector desirability. The helmet has not been reissued or restored in any way; it remains precisely as it left the Eisenhüttenwerk Thale factory in the 1930s, offering a rare opportunity to acquire a textbook pre - war Police helmet in near pristine condition. The exterior retains 95% of its original smooth apple green factory paint, with only minimal signs of wear and a few scattered surface marks consistent with age. Both decals are truly outstanding—virtually untouched and factory-applied, they retain nearly 99% of their original detail with crisp colour, strong definition, and subtle, uniform toning from age. Both are sealed under their original factory lacquer, a clear indicator of authenticity and preservation. The Police decal is 100% and is the “borderless” decal – The party shield is complete – but with an amazing twist. Just below the shield is a bullet strike that has “split” the shell, but only marginally. The indentation carries through to the liner, where it has pushed the aluminium band into the leather, The interior is equally impressive. The helmet is fitted with its correct early reinforced aluminum liner band, which supports a beautiful, supple leather liner that shows only minimal wear and remains perfectly intact. The liner is size-stamped “58,” and the shell itself is marked “ET66” for Eisenhüttenwerk Thale, with the lot number “4775” stamped into the rear skirt. Interestingly there is a pencilled name on the rim but I can’t decipher it. The chinstrap is full-length and remains attached to the helmet bales. It is undated and is in very good condition.

M35 Police helmets in this level of preservation are becoming increasingly difficult to locate. This example stands out as a true collector-grade piece—an unmolested helmet with all the characteristics one looks for: excellent paint, nearly perfect decals, original liner and strap, and a true “story” It would be a crown jewel in any advanced helmet collection. Condition rates as excellent plus plus.