*German, WW2, M40 SE62 Helmet, Lot 9806, Single Decal Heer, Named to Obergefreiter Kahlert, Original Paint, Liner & Chinstrap*
An original German WW2 Model 1940 steel combat helmet (Stahlhelm), manufactured by SE (Sächsische Emaillier- und Stanzwerke, Lauter) and size-stamped SE62. The rear skirt bears the lot number 9806, as recorded in Brian Ice’s reference work (Lot Numbers and Helmet Production, p.346).
This example retains its factory-applied field-grey textured paint with honest service wear, and the single-decal Heer (Army) eagle to the left side, approx. 60–70% remaining. Inside, the helmet retains its original steel-banded leather liner, heavily worn but intact, with remains of the drawstring still in place and a faint ink “B” stamp visible to the leather - possibly the remains of a Schuberth (Braunschweig) or Biedermann & Czarnikow marking, though too indistinct for certain attribution. The original leather chinstrap is present, correct wartime construction with aluminium/steel buckle and single rivet attachment; the leather is dry with age but remains complete.
The rear skirt is named in white paint to “Obgefr. Kahlert” (Obergefreiter = Corporal), adding a unique personal dimension.
Historical Note:
The M40 specification was introduced on 26 March 1940, replacing the earlier M35 design. The new model simplified production by stamping the air vents directly into the shell rather than using separate bushings. At the same time, regulations ordered the removal of the national tricolour decal, leaving only the branch of service decal — in this case the Heer eagle — making this one of the first patterns of officially designated single-decal helmet. By 1943, even this eagle was discontinued, making surviving examples with original decals increasingly scarce.
The SE (Sächsische Emaillier- und Stanzwerke) factory was one of several helmet producers to adopt the new M40 specification during spring 1940, but its output was smaller than firms such as ET or Q. In 1943 SE dropped the ‘SE’ maker code in favour of ‘hkp’, meaning helmets stamped ‘SE’ represent an earlier and shorter production run and are therefore especially desirable to collectors.
The helmet is named to “Obgefr. Kahlert”. Archival research identifies multiple soldiers of this surname who served during the war, several holding the exact rank of Obergefreiter. While a definitive identification cannot be made, the uncommon surname and specific rank inscription provide strong potential for further research by the collector.
*Condition*
This helmet remains in completely untouched, original condition with clear evidence of wartime service use. The exterior retains its factory-applied field-grey paint, showing patina, scratches, and scattered surface rust consistent with age and field wear. The Heer eagle decal survives at around 60–70%, aged but still clearly identifiable. The interior features its original steel-banded liner, the leather now heavily worn, brittle, and with losses, but still complete and retaining the remains of its wartime drawstring, with a faint “B” ink stamp visible. The chinstrap is original wartime manufacture with aluminium/steel buckle and single rivet attachment; the leather is dry but intact. The rear skirt shows the hand-painted name “Obgefr. Kahlert.” Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
