M40 Beaded Luftschutz - Q68 - Lot # 104

**helmet2id** · 03-16-2014, 07:42 PM

Here is a helmet I have had forever, a large (size 68) beaded Luftschutz, with about 98% paint and 97% decal, complete with a size 59 ersatz liner and cheesy chinstrap with a cheap aluminum buckle. The strap is thin cheap leather, and is missing a portion of the long piece. The decal was applied a little off center which isn't initially noticeable, but is very apparent in the pictures. There are just a few chips in the decal, and some storage wear on the shell, but otherwise it is in good shape. I like the look of these beaded shells, and like the big sizes especially. Hope you like it, Jim G.

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 03-16-2014 07:42 PM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**FALLSCHIRMJAGER** · 03-16-2014, 07:48 PM

That's a real "sweet" minty example you have there Jim , you must have a wall as big as Doug's for all these quality lids! Leon.

**Dean** · 03-16-2014, 08:37 PM

Great lid, Jim! I agree with Leon, this is a minty example and one of the sweetest ones I've seen for a while. I noticed the bead is slightly higher toward the front, which is interesting.
I'm also the proud owner of a near-mint Quist 68 M40 ND. but the liner is black and it has a different chinstrap set up..also, yours has three cork liner spacer/pads whereas mine has four. Goes to show that there were many different styles and variations used .
Thanks for sharing this beauty with us, these are among my favorite type of helmets from the TR era. I sometimes feel they are not appreciated as much as other stahlhelm of the time.
Cheers,
Dean.

**harryamb2** · 03-16-2014, 08:38 PM

a great example.

**SteveR** · 03-16-2014, 10:48 PM

Very nice one.

**Danmark** · 03-17-2014, 03:02 AM

by Dean

I noticed the bead is slightly higher toward the front, which is interesting.

This tool is a bead roller for sheet metal ( rolls a stiffening bead into flat steel ) and probably a similar device with a longer reach was used for the beaded helmets ( & maybe automated too ) Point is, the bead can 'climb' as the helmet is pulled around by the tool.

Dan