The first “modern” steel helmets were introduced by the French army in early 1915. The German army began tests for their own steel helmet at the Kummersdorf Proving Grounds in November, and in the field in December 1915, experimenting with both captured French and British helmets. An acceptable pattern was developed and approved and production began at Eisen-und Hüttenwerke, AG Thale/Harz, in the spring of 1916. In 1935, the Third Reich developed the smaller, lighter M35 style helmet, and then in an effort to reduce construction time and labor costs, minor modifications were introduced in March 1940 resulting in the M40 helmet. Further construction modifications were undertaken. In August 1942 resulting in the M42 helmet. Made of stamped steel, this M42 Combat Helmet is in EXCELLENT Vet Bring-Back condition! It retains 98% of it’s original paint and finish, but there is some obvious patina, corrosion, marks, and wear due to the age. The liner is the original to this helmet, as is the chin strap (chin strap is very stiff, as it has remained in its current position for 75+ years). Helmet is named, and feature s a prominent serial number… However, I cannot find a manufacture code. Liner is named (hard to read, but assumed the name is matching to the shell), and is quite solid. Liner is a size 56, as indicated. During the war, it had chicken wire originally attached, followed by a wartime re-paint. As such, the original outline of the chicken wire can still be seen (see photos)!! A VERY NICE untouched original M42, PERFECT item for any collection or display! TERMS OF SALE. Most of my items are vintage, and as such are AS-IS, so you must therefore expect a degree of wear due to age and/or usage. ABOUT ME. Although my passion is the Me109, I do offer many other German Aircraft Fw190, Me262, etc. , as well as USAF and Japanese items. Occasionally I do offer many non-vintage items such as prints and art relating to the time period. Use is solely based on my authorization only. The item “WW2 German Wehrmacht Heer M42 Stahlhelm COMBAT HELMET CHICKEN WIRE NICE” is in sale since Saturday, August 24, 2019. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Militaria\WW II (1939-45)\Original Period Items\Germany\Hats & Helmets”. The seller is “messerschmitt*109″ and is located in Agoura Hills, California. This item can be shipped worldwide.