Outstanding early M1938 paratrooper « Fallschirmjäger » heavy textured camouflage combat helmet. The helmet is an « ET68 » with the lot number « 4449 ». The helmet was sourced years ago from the Veteran’s family, this explains the stunning preservation of the camouflage. This helmet retains the typical camouflage of the « Luftlande-Sturm-Regiment ». The camouflage is a mix of paint, wood chip and what appears to be mud. This exact type of camouflage was adopted for the early campaigns such as « Eben-Emael » in 1940. The camouflage rates at 99%. The helmets interior is complete, untouched and in the same condition as the exterior. Retains its proper and early type liner in yellow rubber padding. The leather is properly marked with shell size, liner size, and maker marked, these have been period partially cover for an unknown reason. Chinstraps are in excellent shape as well, first type with the slip-through style closer, fully functional and pliable. Some camouflage paint is present on them. Two names associated with the « Sturm-Regiment » are inscribed in the helmet, « Brose » is engraved on the leather and « Laskus » is engraved on the side skirt. Bodo Brose (1916-1970) was a Pomeranian who was assigned to the « Sturmabteilung Koch » in 1940, but did not take part in the Albert Canal operation. He remained with the « Sturm-Regiment » for several years before taking part in the Normandy fighting as an Oberfeldwebel in « Fallschirm-Pionier-Bataillon 3 ». The East Prussian Erwin Laskus (1913-2005) was transferred from army’s « Pionier-Bataillon 40 » to the « Sturmabteilung Koch », but also was not with this unit at the Albert Canal. Like Brose, he remained assigned to the « Sturm-Regiment ». The Iron Cross first Class document awarded to Oberfeldwebel Bodo Brose comes with the helmet. This is just one of a kind helmet, named and attributed to one of the most iconic unit !!!

This helmet is published in several books including:

- « Fallschirmjäger, Volume 1 » by Roly Pickering, on page 58.

- « German Paratroopers, Volume 2 » by Karl Veltzé, on page 42.

Please see last picture for a photocopy of Brose's portrait photo.