SS M40 Q64 Single Decal Battle Damaged

[mds308]

Estate find. Son (who's in his 70s) said dad brought this back after his time in Europe. I bought all kinds of bring back items including US uniforms, German bayonets, Luftwaffe belt buckle and 3 other German helmets. The story was his dad shot the SS soldier when he wasn't expecting it. The helmet looks really nice. There's a reddish brown area on the liner which could be an old blood stain. The liner is named. It looks like J STEIN or perhaps STEIU. There's something written beneath this name, but I can't make it out. It's an M40 Q64. Definitely the best item from the lot. The semi-circle opening accommodates a .45 caliber bullet. Opinions? Thoughts? Thanks.

[Peeloo]

Hi, I like it! Very bizarre story.
Regards,
Peeloo

[MAP]

Nice.

Not much left of the decal so hard to verify. But it all looks aged and legit to my eyes.

[mds308]

A friend of mine pointed out that below the soldiers name you can make out the two SS runes followed by a dash and another word. I'm still trying to decipher this. Any help would be appreciated.

[CSW]

To me the lower marking looks like it could be "SS-Uscha." for the rank of Unterscharführer. I also believe you are correct about the name being J. Stein

[mds308]

To me the lower marking looks like it could be "SS-Uscha." for the rank of Unterscharführer.

I believe the abbreviation is Uscharf. But either way, Uscha or Uscharf, I just don't see that with the letters I'm looking at. That's my two-cents. I really do appreciate your input. I appreciate everyone's input. This is definitely out of my wheelhouse. Thank you for your time.

[CSW]

I believe the abbreviation is Uscharf. But either way, Uscha or Uscharf, I just don't see that with the letters I'm looking at. That's my two-cents. I really do appreciate your input. I appreciate everyone's input. This is definitely out of my wheelhouse. Thank you for your time.

Thanks a lot for the reply!

My guesses are usually far from correct, so hopefully some more experienced members will comment on the writing too. Here is what I personally saw and what led to me writing my previous comment, probably not accurate:



In any case, this very forum has taught me that Uscha is indeed a common abbreviation for the rank, as seen here on some original items (all credits to fellow forum user Rossi for the second picture):



Nice helmet and a great find anyway!

[mds308]

Nice helmet and a great find anyway!

Now I'm back in your camp, CSW. Your drawing is wonderful. I believe USCHA was for the equivalent of a US Corporal.
Yes, it is a great find. I was lucking to have this come my way.

[Ian Hayes]

Best time to shoot someone is when they aren't expecting it!!

[mds308]

Best time to shoot someone is when they aren't expecting it!!

That all depends on whether you are the shooter or the shootee.