Chris Pittman Posted June 29, 2008 Share Posted June 29, 2008 I have had this Luftwaffe helmet for a few years. It is a single decal M40 marked ET66. The helmet has an "S" painted on the side opposite the decal. The letter is painted with the type of white paint often used to paint names inside helmets. Does anybody have any ideas what this painted "S" might indicate? The helmet is also named with ink in the liner, though this is illegible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Pittman Posted June 29, 2008 Author Share Posted June 29, 2008 Here is the other side with the painted letter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Pittman Posted June 29, 2008 Author Share Posted June 29, 2008 The paint shows age and patina, it looks like it has been there forever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Pittman Posted June 29, 2008 Author Share Posted June 29, 2008 Decal close-up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Pittman Posted June 29, 2008 Author Share Posted June 29, 2008 Here is the stamp inside the shell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Pittman Posted June 29, 2008 Author Share Posted June 29, 2008 I notice that the seam in the liner is not in the usual position The liner rivets have all their washers, it is possible that the liner has been out at some point but I can't be sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Pittman Posted June 29, 2008 Author Share Posted June 29, 2008 Last photo. There is a name in the liner that has been inked out and another name penned in. I welcome any comments on this item. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul R Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 "S"- Spiess? It would be a quick way for ID in the field, if he did not want to wear the cuff tress. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Lyons Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 Looks to me like the original owner of the helmet has just personalized it with a small 's' to identify hisown helmet from probably a stack of similar helmets, perhaps in a Flak battery or something similiar.I think everyone in the unit would know who their 'Spiess' was without him having to identify himself.... Best wishesBob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Pittman Posted July 7, 2008 Author Share Posted July 7, 2008 Thanks for the suggestions. I suppose one could speculate endlessly. I had also wondered if the letter might have been used so that the soldier could quickly identify his helmets at a duty station.Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul R Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 So what other things do you have? :jumping: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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