An original WWII German M42 combat helmet, a highly sought-after original German combat helmet from the late war period. This stamped sheet steel M42 Stahlhelm features a distinctive rough textured over-paint, retaining much of its wartime camouflage finish, making it an outstanding example of a late-war German WWII steel helmet.

The NS64 M42 helmet bears clear markings on the interior neck guard apron: lot number “D109” and manufacturer code “NS64”, indicating production by Vereinigte Deutsche Nickelwerke, AG, Schwerte, in size 64. The placement of these stamps confirms manufacture after mid-1943, a key detail for collectors of authentic Third Reich militaria All three liner retaining rivets remain intact, securing a well-worn M31 leather liner that shows genuine combat use. The shortened original chinstrap is present, adding to its battlefield provenance.

Introduced in 1942 to streamline production, the WWII German M42 helmet eliminated the rolled edge of earlier M40 models while maintaining superior protection. This original German combat helmet evolved from the iconic M35 through wartime modifications for efficiency.

Helmet decals were phased out by regulations in 1940 (national tri-color) and 1943 (Wehrmacht eagle), resulting in the raw steel finish seen on most late-war examples like this M42 Stahlhelm. A must-have for collectors of German WWII steel helmets, this NS64 M42 helmet embodies the final iteration of the legendary Stahlhelm design that influenced modern military headgear.