German WWII Army or SS M35 Combat Helmet with Wire Cover

This M35 helmet is a fascinating example with a well-documented provenance, reportedly a "barn find" many years ago in Jersey, the occupied Channel Islands. The Channel Islands, under German occupation, have historically yielded numerous interesting wartime discoveries, and this piece provides a direct link to that period.

The helmet shell, marked SE64, appears to have a batch number of 956, though there is some rust bleed in the area of the stamp which obscures the numbers slightly. Crucially, this helmet was never fitted with decals, suggesting an initial issue that predates the more common decal applications or perhaps a late-war finish. It retains a very light, fine depth of sand and paint finish.

A significant feature is the field-fitted wire cradle covering the shell. This wire, used for attaching camouflage material, is totally original to the helmet, with strong evidence of long-term fitting visible around the three holding clips.

The interior boasts an aluminium M35 liner band and the leather liner is in excellent, supple condition. The leather is stamped size 57, with all tongues present, and includes the original drawstring, all showing appropriate in-service wear. There is a fair degree of rust bleed to the interior skirt, consistent with long-term storage in a barn or shed environment. The finding of such helmets is historically consistent with the numerous discoveries made in the 1960s and 1970s from post-war sealed tunnels on Jersey.

Ref; 95137