German WW2 Luftwaffe Helmet Shed Find. UPDATE!

[@minot.8931]

Looks like an “L” and “Abt 84” .. which would make this helmet belong to Leichte Flak Abteilung (Light Flak Battalion) 84. L. Flak Abt 84 was motorised Flak, and would usually accompany armour. Their flak gun was most likely a single 20mm cannon mounted on a half track. Abt 84 was part of Flak Regiment 87 of the 18th Flak Division. The regiment was stationed in Ostend and then Normandy from May 1944. It took heavy losses around Arras and was withdrawn and reformed in October-November of that year. Its last major role was accompanying Kampfgruppe Peiper during the Ardennes offensive. Given its history I’d say the helmet was picked up by someone in northern France, c. August 44.

[@minot.8931]

The other markings “1L/Flak St.Battn” signifies the wearer was in the 1st Leicht Flak motorised Batterien (or battery). The Abt 84 had 3 such batterien.

[@minot.8931]

Despite the helmet being an early one, the “St” is interesting since it means “Sturm” (Batterien) which all Flak Korps units were re-designated to on 18 June 1944. Seems like the wearer might have been issued it just after D-day and lost it just a month later, which may explain its little worn condition.

[@larryburwell8550]

very nice m-35 early droop tail eagle Luftwaffe Helmet. very nice. a light vaseline treatment to paint and liner would really preserve this helmet well

[@WW2HistoryHunterUK]

Thank you for the advice. I will give this a try. Think the liner definitely needs something to help preserve it.

[@paulcollis7651]

Neatsfoot oil works ok

[@thomasanderson3230]

Superb lid mate!

[@100lancey]

The rifle looks like a Mauser Karabiner 98AZ. Can tell by the front sight guard, the barrel band with its stacking rod and the tangent sight. The Gewehr 98 has a lange visier sight.

[@bigmal1690]

When I 1st noticed it, I thought it was the barrel attachment for a STG 44, for shooting round corners, but the bend isn't enough, probably is a Mauser 98 of sum king

[@WW2HistoryHunterUK]

K98AZ. Think your right. Thanks for the help!

[@victorstrozier929]

The best find you have ever had? What about the "drooptail" paratrooper helmet with wire in the background?

[@WW2HistoryHunterUK]

Paid good money for that one. Might feature it in a new vid.

[@steelhelmetstan7305]

Just found your channel, new subscriber😊😊😊

[@neilchatten9661]

Nice one.👍

[@ericscottstevens]

I was sure this was a channel island origin helmet. It was mentioned at the surrender a great pile of helmets were dropped at a collection point. The rusty inner brim were enough to signify salty fingers putting the helmet on and taking it off.

[@WW2HistoryHunterUK]

Plenty of Luftwaffe flak batteries in the Channel Islands so good chance its from one of the islands.

[@Ανακασα]

The colour of the helmet please, because i have the same and i want to paint it

[@beyhive4]

Very interesting but where have you purchased this new shed?

[@Daves2024]

I have a 1938 German 8 mm Mauser. The bolt assembly has the eagle with a certain symbol and the numbers 666 stamped below it. How can I find someone who would be interested in this rifle? Or is that what every Mauser was stamped with?

[@BredgarColin]

Is the ww1 shell British or German?

[@WW2HistoryHunterUK]

German shell. 75mm

[@chriscrowder3844]

You found that in a shed....well blow me down. Electricboogaloo!

[@Eric_Von_Yesselstyn]

At the back of the outer liner band, the two ends are cut at 90 degree angles, sharp on the edges, even the early outer liner band edges were NOT like that. The edges were stamped/cut so there wasn't a sharp 90 degree angle and sharp. Modern reproduction outer liner bands, single band aluminum are soft and bend easily. The outer liner band is likely fairly modern, 1990s reproduction in my opinion, as originals and most current repro, single band liner bands do NOT have the sharp edge. The Lot number is important and will help with identification. The liner leather looks correct with the stitching running through the back tongue downward. The clipping of the edges of the Outer liner band was standard and easily done. Could one have slipped through with sharp edges..?? Possible. That being a single band aluminum outer liner band, there is no bend at the chin strap bales, highly unusual.