SD Luft - ET66 - Lot(# 1985

**helmet2id** · 08-12-2020, 04:17 PM

As promised, my very first decaled German helmet, an ET66, lot number 1985, bought from the vet’s son in about 1966 for $1.75 (that’s right folks, ONE dollar and seventy-five cents!) with the vet’s permission! It is complete with liner and chinstrap and tie string. No done stamp. When I bought it the size 58 liner was cream colored, just like new, but I played army a lot as a kid and the liner got a little stained. The unmarked chin strap was always dry and stiff and about 2 years ago it just broke. The vet had blotted out the swastika of the second pattern Luftwaffe decal with shoe polish but over the years (without any intervention by me) the shoe polish faded and the swastika became more and more visible. Well, here it is, my 3rd German helmet and my first one with a decal. Hope you like it. Jim G.

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 08-12-2020 04:17 PM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**helmet2id** · 08-12-2020, 04:24 PM

Here are the decal and interior shots.

**PaddyD00** · 08-12-2020, 04:28 PM

$1.75 ?!?!?! What ?!?

Well. That’s ok Jim. I’ve overpaid for helmets too. I’d go $1.25 on this one tops back in day.

Great one Jim. What a thrill it must have been for you. When I received my 1st combat helm. It was a Luft. In late Jan of this year. I remember thinking how minuscule the decal looked because I had been looking online at blown up examples studying beforehand.

Interesting story to about the shoe polish. The vet didn’t want to see it in his house ? Or maybe the family didn’t ? Interesting. And the method used. Glad he used that instead of scratching it off eh ?
Thanks for sharing

Z

**MAP** · 08-13-2020, 02:55 AM

Considering that most of us begin with "starter" helmet, you picked a winner and began your obsession the right way. And not a bad price either!

**Anderson** · 08-13-2020, 04:53 AM

You won't get provenance much better than that. Interesting too Jim's recollections on the condition of the liner in 1966 and how it since has gained patina.

**relicz** · 08-13-2020, 05:12 AM

Love it Jim, and the story as well.

Thanks for sharing.

John

**Danmark** · 08-13-2020, 06:25 AM

Pretty astute for an 11yr old Jim ( even if that was several weeks pocket money )

Most kids would've been playing with GI Joes or Major Matt Mason space toys ..... or Hotwheels!! ( I know I was )

Cheers, Dan