The Supreme Commander of the German Army officially accepted this type of helmet on 25 June 1935.  The basic design was similar to the World War I helmet, although it was more compact, lighter in weight, and carried an updated look.  The helmet was press formed in several stages using sheets of molybdenum steel.  Separately inserted hollow rivets replaced the large air vent lugs found on World War I helmets. The rim of the helmet was rolled under for a smooth edge.

This helmet retains approx. 90% of its original dark green paint with some loss on the underside edges and crown. The silver colored Army eagle decal on the left side of the helmet is 85% intact with some scratches and material loss. The right side of the helmet has a rubbed area in the partial shape of the national tri-color decal. Looks as though the decal was rubbed off.

The interior of the helmet has its original leather liner which is complete but shows moderate wear from use and is missing the drawstring at top. Written in two places at the back of the liner is “GEFR. VASEL.” This is the rank and last name of the German soldier who was the previous owner. Helmet has no chinstrap and only one chinstrap keeper is present. Liner is not marked with a size and there is no dome stamp.

This helmet is marked “SE66”on the inside left of the skirt. This shows the helmet was produced at Sächsische Emaillier und Stanzwerke A.G.  Beginning in 1935 this factory served as a primary manufacturer of steel helmets for the German Armed Forces. The size is 66. Lot number is “3529.”

This helmet is said to have been brought home to the US by Stewart L. Buvoltz who served with the 603^rd Tank Destroyer Battalion of the 6^th Armored Division. Mr. Buvoltz was in the Army from August 4, 1941 to October 13, 1945 going overseas in early 1944 arriving in France in late July of that year. A print out of Mr. Buvoltz’s obituary on www.findagrave.com comes with the helmet.

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