*German, WW2, Rare SE64 M35 Double Decal Heer Helmet, Parade Finish, Lot 4208, Early 1937 Production with 1944 Reissue Liner*
An outstanding and scarce original WW2 German M35 double-decal Heer helmet, shell size SE64, manufactured by Sächsische Emaillierwerke, Lauter. The shell bears the lightly struck lot number, which appears to read 4208, listed in Brian Ice (German Helmet Lot Numbers, p.319) as a Double Decal Heer, Parade Finish, Reinforced Aluminium Liner Band. The helmet retains its smooth apple green parade finish factory paint, with both decals surviving: the Heer eagle in very good condition, and the national tricolour shield still visible with expected wear.
The interior carries a wartime replacement liner, size 57, marked B / 57 / 1–44, denoting manufacture by Schuberth-Werk, Braunschweig in January 1944. This is the later steel-band type, showing the helmet was reissued for continued service late in the war. Several tongues are fitted with red cloth reinforcement patches, a genuine wartime measure to strengthen weak points as leather quality declined. The chinstrap is original to the period, both sections present along with the correct buckle.
Historical Note:
The M35 helmet was the first true standard combat helmet of the Wehrmacht, introduced in 1935 with a smooth enamel parade finish and double decals. By 1940 regulations ordered the removal of the national tricolour, and in 1943 the Heer eagle was also discontinued — making original double decal survivors very scarce. In practice, however, front-line demands and time pressures meant that many depot and unit-level reissues concentrated only on replacing worn liners or chinstraps rather than carrying out full repaints. This example, reissued in January 1944 with a new liner but not stripped or repainted, retains both decals in defiance of regulation — a practice entirely consistent with wartime realities and highly prized by collectors today.
The helmet was produced by Sächsische Emaillierwerke (SE) of Lauter, Saxony, one of the four principal helmet manufacturers of the Third Reich. SE production began in September 1935, with lot numbers 000–2772 completed by 1936 (Baer, p.121). The appearance of lot number 4208 suggests that this example is likely to be 1937 production, making it a very early double decal issue. Adding to its rarity, SE later changed their maker code to hkp around 1943, meaning true early-war helmets still marked “SE” are increasingly scarce. This helmet therefore bridges the full wartime story: manufactured in 1937 with its original parade finish and decals, reissued in 1944 with a new liner, and surviving intact today.
*Condition*
The helmet retains much of its original factory paint with period wear, scratches, and patina. The decals remain present — the Heer eagle especially strong, the tricolour shield showing loss but still clear. The 1944-dated liner is intact with service wear, reinforced tongues, and correct steel band. Leather shows age and dryness but remains stable. The chinstrap is original. Overall, a rare and highly desirable early-production SE64 double decal Heer helmet, retaining its original paint and decals despite a 1944 reissue, and an exceptional collector’s piece. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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