This excellent example is a mid-war produced M40 Luftwaffe helmet, manufactured by SE (Sächsische Emaillierwerke) in shell size 62, with the lot number 1491. According to Brian Ice’s lot data research, this places its production in late 1940, during the transitional period when Luftwaffe ground troops were rapidly expanding across Europe.
What makes this helmet especially appealing is its 100% original wartime finish, untouched since 1945. Both the interior and exterior retain their factory-applied paint, and the helmet carries a textbook ET-pattern Luftwaffe eagle decal, sharp, well-preserved, and exactly as expected for this production period.
Key Historical Features
Original Wartime Paint
- Exterior: Factory rough-texture Luftwaffe blue-grey
- Interior: Smooth enamel finish
- No signs of postwar overpaint, cleaning, or tampering
Factory Luftwaffe Decal
- Textbook ET-style eagle, unaltered and original
- Strong detail, correct placement, and correct color tone
Wire Configuration
The helmet retains a simple front-and-back wire configuration, which has oxidized into a natural brown patina over decades. While opinions on wire helmets always vary in the collector community, the age, surface oxidation, and integration into the original paint layer are encouraging.
As always, collectors should review the photos and assess based on personal expertise.
Original Liner
- 100% wartime original to the helmet
- Size-appropriate for SE62
- Still intact, showing honest field wear and natural aging
One charming period feature: the soldier’s name “ULMER” is handwritten on the rear skirt — still clear, bold, and fully legible. Named Luftwaffe helmets are increasingly hard to find and always add to the helmet’s desirability and historical character.
Additional Options
A high-quality reproduction chinstrap with correct wartime-style year stamping can be added for $25 if desired.
Collector’s Analysis
This helmet checks all the boxes that matter to serious collectors:
- Untouched paint
- Original decal
- Original liner
- Named to the Luftwaffe soldier who wore it
- Honest mid-war production features
- Natural aged wire configuration
SE-produced Luftwaffe helmets are highly collectible, and named examples from 1940 production lots are particularly desirable. This helmet represents an excellent balance between authenticity, condition, and historical value.
