Original Item: One-of-a-kind. This is a fine example of totally original Model M40 M-1940 German WW2 medium size 64 helmet shell, refurbished by a master German camouflage restorer. The shell is stamped faintly with lot number DN9?? under the rear skirt, but unfortunately the stamp over the left ear is illegible due to oxidation and paint. However, the “DN” prefix is unique to F.W. Quist G.m.b.H in Esslingen, Germany, so they are almost certainly the manufacturer. The shell is approximately a size 64 (measures 65cm on the outside) and is a nice large size that can accommodate liners from 56cm to 57cm or US 7 to 7 1/8. Size 64 shells are always hard to find and are therefore more valuable to a collector.
Notable History of the M40 SS Normandy Medic Sanität Helmet:-
– The battles in Normandy saw a number of SS units including the 1st LAH, 2nd Das Reich, and the 12th AH Jugen.
– While Camo helmets worn by the SS come in a variety colors and schemes, most agree that the units in Normandy France used a paint scheme that was a blend of greens with some red brown compared to Russia where the greens were predominant.
– This helmet represents those worn by the SS Sanität (Medical) units that served in France in the battles of 1944 and 1945.
– German Veterans who had seen service in Russia were surprised in Normandy by the civility of the combat where in the east the red cross medic helmet was not respected, and even specifically targeted at times.
What does refurbished mean? While the shell is 100% genuine WWII manufacture, we have tasked, perhaps the very best German Helmet restorer in the USA, to customize this helmet. Every detail is hand done, with the finest materials including a hand painted shell, with a hand hand aged high quality reproduction liner. Please know that the paint, liner and chinstrap, while they look totally original are all new and the helmet has been refurbished to look as if it was picked up off the battlefield by a USGI and brought home as a war trophy.
This helmet is one-of-a-kind there will never be one exactly like it, making it a true collectors piece that will do nothing but appreciate in value in the coming years. This is a rare opportunity to own a genuine WWII German Helmet for a fraction of the cost of one with original camouflage paint.