Original Item: One-of-a-kind. This is a fine example of totally original Model M40 M-1940 German WW2 large size 66 helmet shell, refurbished by a master German camouflage restorer. The shell is VERY faintly stamped E.F.64, indicating that Emaillierwerke AG, of Fulda, Germany manufactured it. It is also stamped with lot number 24123 under the rear skirt. Size 64 is a nice medium size that can accommodate liners from 56cm to 57cm or US 7 to 7 1/8. Size 64 shells are harder to find and are therefore more valuable to a collector.
Notable history of the WWII M40 SS Southern Russian Front Camouflage Helmet-
– During WWII many of the Elite SS units that would later see action in Normandy were utilized during the large offensive against the Soviet Union.
– While Camo helmets worn by the SS come in a variety colors and schemes, most agree that the units in Russia used a paint scheme that was a blend of greens compared to Russia where the greens with some red brown were predominant.
– This helmet represents those worn by the SS units that served in Southern Russia in the battles of 1942-1943.
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.