German M40 Helmet

[Normandie]

I took some pictures of my M40 German helmet the other day.
I've had this beauty for some years but I am wondering, is it a golden Heer or Kriegsmarine?

[BrodieBartfast]

I'm far from being a helmet expert, but looks like it might be Kriegsmarine coastal artillery? Going on what looks like a yellow decal, and the shade of the paint.

Regards, B.B.

[Normandie]

Thank you, it looks nothing like the Heer helmets that I have in my collection, but I am not sure.
As for the name, Polish? Were there many Polish soldiers in KM?

[BrodieBartfast]

I'm not at all familiar with this particular area, unfortunately. Wikipedia has an article on Poles in the Wehrmacht. Might be worth reading through, even if it's not the most reliable source:

Poles in the Wehrmacht - Wikipedia

B.B.

[Normandie]

As far as I know there were a lot germans in east and west Prussia.

[BrodieBartfast]

That would certainly explain it. Hopefully our resident helmet experts chip in soon with some more information. It's a subject I'm not really that well-versed on.

B.B.

[HoundsTooth]

This would be an ET KM decal:


I believe the ET style KM has the double layer construction as seen here - the ridge around the adler. Can you see this on your decal?
Nick

[real steel]

Your image of the decal is not discernible to determine if KM. From what I see...I don't think it is. Should be more gold, not light yellow. It appears to be a toned heer & judging by the overall patina on this, it looks like it was not well stored, hence the yellowing of the decal.
However...interesting Frank's lot# data lists 12 ET M40's with lot#'s in your range as being KM helmets. So it might be.
Maybe Nick's USB micro scope can determine if navy or not.
D.

[Normandie]

Yes, I hope it's a KM. Never had that in my collection.

[real steel]

This would be an ET KM decal:


I believe the ET style KM has the double layer construction as seen here - the ridge around the adler. Can you see this on your decal?
Nick

Can you capture a decal image such as the one Nick posted ? Maybe we can tell with a better pic