An outstanding and very scarce mid-war Kriegsmarine M40 helmet, maker-marked Q64 with rear lot number DN142, dating production to the summer of 1941 (per Brian Ice’s Lot Data book). This helmet retains its factory-applied Kriegsmarine eagle decal — the earlier ET-style golden eagle — in near-perfect condition. The metallic gold luster sets it apart from Heer examples, confirming its naval designation.
Paint: Original mid-war field gray finish with excellent preservation
Liner: Original wartime liner system, never replaced
Pins: Three original split pins, untouched since factory installation
Chinstrap: Original, shortened by the soldier — a practical field modification, especially common aboard naval vessels
Collector’s Analysis
Rarity Factor: Kriegsmarine helmets are far less common than Heer, Luftwaffe, or even SS examples, as the navy had limited personnel and low requisition priority.
Maker Scarcity: Of the four KM helmet manufacturers (ET, EF, SE, Q), Quist is the rarest, adding significantly to its desirability.
Decal Quality: The near-perfect golden Kriegsmarine eagle is a highlight; most surviving examples are heavily worn or missing.
Historical Authenticity: The shortened chinstrap modification is a small but telling detail, reflecting how naval servicemen adapted their gear to cramped shipboard conditions.
Historical Context
The Kriegsmarine was always a small and resource-limited branch of the German armed forces. With fewer men to outfit and lower priority than the army or Luftwaffe, naval helmets were produced in small numbers and are now among the hardest to find. Quist-produced KM examples represent the pinnacle of rarity within this already scarce category.
