Double Decal Helmet [M35] Luftwaffe Earliest type of Luftwaffe eagle

Early German steel helmets of the Third Reich period were originally issued with two decals positioned on opposite sides of the helmet shell. One identified the wearer’s branch of service or organization, while the other displayed the national colors of Germany. With the outbreak of the war, the second decal was gradually discontinued, as the bright insignia was considered a potentially revealing element and no longer suited the requirements of frontline service. During the war, many early double-decal helmets were repainted, received additional camouflage finishes, or had one or both decals removed. A significant number of helmets were also lost or destroyed in combat. As a result, original double-decal helmets retaining their factory-applied finish and both original decals are considerably rarer today than later single-decal or no-decal examples. Untouched helmets on which the second decal remains fully or nearly fully preserved, without having been covered by later paint, removed, or restored, are particularly desirable and highly valued by collectors.