History

The Waffen-SS Steel Helmets were modeled after the helmets of the German Army. The main design stems from the so-called M(odel) 35, which was a modernisation of the helmet design of WWI helmets.

In 1940, the M35 underwent slight modification in order to simplify the manufacturing process. Rather than using separate fittings for ventilation holes, the hole mounts were directly stamped onto the shell.
Besides this alteration, the M35 and M40 were the same and the distinction between the two models was made relevant by collectors; contemporary Germans referred to the M40 helmet as the M35.

The colour of paint varies between medium to very dark grey.

The early M40 helmets feature an SS runic symbol decal painted on the right side and a swastika decal on the left. The swastika decal was discontinued in early 1941, and in November of 1943 the SS runic decal was discontinued as well.