Original German WWII M40 Refurbished 1st Infantry Division “The Big Red One” Souvenir Helmet – Stamped EF66 Original Items

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 stamped E.F.66, indicating that Emaillierwerke AG, of Fulda, Germany manufactured it. It is also stamped with lot number 135 under the rear skirt. Size 66 is a nice large size that can accommodate liners from 58cm to 59cm or US 7 1/4 to 7 3/8. Size 66 shells are much harder to find and are therefore more valuable to a collector.

Notable history of the WWII M40 1st Infantry Division Souvenir Helmet:

– This represents a German SS Single Decal Helmet captured by Members of the Legendary 1st Infantry Division “The Big Red One”, decorated on the front with their distinctive unit insignia. It was common for soldiers to personalize “bring back” helmets with their unit insignia. The camouflage pattern seen on the helmet is typical of the period shortly after the D-Day landings, used until the Fall of 1944, and again during the spring.

– The 1st ID saw service in 1943 in Tunisia & Sicily against the German Afrikakorps and remnants (in Sicily). In 1944 the “Big Red One” landed at Normandy and served in France – Germany through 1945.

– The helmet is also marked with ALGERIA, OMAN, TUNISIA, KASSERINE, SICILY, NORMANDY, AACHEN, RHINE, OMAHA, SIEGFRIED LINE, ARDENNES, and RUHR. These are areas liberated / taken with the help of the 1st Infantry Division was in during WWII, including the famous Kasserine Pass battles in Tunisia, Omaha Beach during D-Day, and the Ardennes during the “Battle of the Bulge”.

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.