WWII German Luftwaffe M40 Combat Helmet – Named “Osterkamp”

Original World War II German Luftwaffe M40 steel helmet, featuring its wartime-applied Luftwaffe eagle decal on the right side, showing honest age wear and patina. The left side retains traces of the national tricolor shield beneath period overpaint. The shell retains its original dark field-gray finish with scattered surface oxidation, consistent with long-term storage.

Inside, the helmet retains its complete wartime leather liner and chinstrap, both showing natural aging but remaining intact. The liner is clearly hand-marked “Osterkamp,” possibly the surname of the Luftwaffe serviceman to whom this helmet was issued. Stamps inside the skirt show typical ET (Eisenhüttenwerk Thale) manufacturing marks and a lot number, confirming authenticity to the mid-war period (circa 1940–1943).

A well-preserved and fully authentic Luftwaffe example with strong display appeal, excellent historical character, and the added value of being a named helmet.

Condition:

• Original paint and decals (approximately 60–70% decal retention)
• Complete leather liner, soft and intact
• Original chinstrap present, aged but stable
• Named to “Osterkamp” in ink inside liner
• No modern restoration or repaint