German WW2 M38 Luftwaffe Fallschirmjäger Paratrooper Helmet - ET68, Early War Example

This outstanding German WWII M38 Luftwaffe Fallschirmjäger Paratrooper Helmet is a textbook-grade example and an exceptionally rare offering in today’s market. Issued to Germany’s elite airborne troops during the early years of World War II, this helmet retains its original factory-applied 1940-specification feldgrau paint, with the darker, rough-textured finish remaining nearly 100% intact. The surface displays only light, honest wear with an attractive combat-aged patina. The iconic Luftwaffe decal is exceptionally well preserved, estimated at approximately 90% intact, an extraordinary level of survival for an early-war Fallschirmjäger helmet.

Every major component remains correct and original. The spanner bolts are largely unmarred and unturned, with the exception of one missing bolt at the rear right, consistent with period service wear rather than post-war disassembly. The remaining bolts strongly indicate the helmet has never been taken apart or altered. Inside, the complete suspension system is fully intact, featuring supple black rubber liner pads and a soft, pliable leather liner correctly marked size “68.” Internal liner markings seem to make out:
R-Bet-Nr.0/0471/00048
Kopfgröbe 57
Stahlhelmgröbe 68

The chinstrap retains its original steel hardware and remains in good condition, showing only a small, light tear on the left side. The interior is stamped with the early-war lot number “124,” along with the desirable manufacturer code “ET68,” confirming production by Eisenhüttenwerke Thale, one of the most sought-after helmet makers of the period.

A true museum-grade example, this helmet checks every critical box: originality, condition, and historical significance. Early M38 Fallschirmjäger helmets of this caliber and completeness are rarely encountered on the open market. For the advanced militaria collector or institutional collection, this represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a premier early-war Luftwaffe paratrooper helmet with unquestionable authenticity.

Provenance:
Veteran bring-back from Germany in 1946, retained following the conclusion of World War II and preserved in private hands for decades before entering the collector market.

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