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Q64 Luftwaffe M40
Hi
This is one I've had for a short while. It's a SD M40 Quist64 (fittingly!) and is lot No. R595. Appears to have the original strap but no markings.
The liner is dated 1944 with a RB Nr 0/0251/0111, which is Zahn I believe. Liner has a bit of damage.
The Q marking is at the side not the rear.
I know that Quist manufactured M40's much later than most manufacturers. Is a reasonable guess at the timeline that this helmet was manufactured in mid 43 before the decal stop order and before Quist moved their Q to the rear. It was then fitted with its first and only (44 dated) liner early in 44 before being issued. Or do you think it's had a replacement liner at some point - either wartime or later? The split pins look un-messed with to my eye. The pins have markings but I can't make them out.
I would welcome your thoughts.
Cheers.
Andy
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A bit strange.
I have a rear marked Q No Decal with a 1943 ring thus for a side marked + decaled i wouldn't expect to see that year.
the helmet is nice in any case
Unusual - the split pins look to be the original ones from the outside. Are all three washers present as well?
If so, and the pins have definitely not been re-used, then one would assume if it somehow got lost in the production process until '44.
The other explanation is post-war a liner was swapped - the pins being very carefully removed so as not to arouse suspicion.
Thanks Andrea and Nick.
All 3 washers are present and the pins don't look messed with - although as you say it could have been done carefully. I guess there are 3 possibilities - 1. it sat around for a few months before getting a liner for some reason. 2. It had a liner that was damaged and replaced during wartime or 3. It's had a replacement liner put in it post war.
Perhaps we'll never know but if anyone's got any ideas or anyone else has a 43 era helmet with a 44 dated liner please let me know.
Cheers
Andy