German WWII Army, M1940 Steel Helmet, Handpainted Tri-Color Shield, NS66
This item is listed for historical interest only. It was listed on our site previously but has been sold and is no longer available for purchase.
Sold for: $750.00

Original era manufacture. Standard pattern, M1940 German Army steel helmet, maker stamped NS66 on the interior of the neck skirt. Salty, but quite sound, with a wonderful handpainted Tri-Color insignia on the right side of the helmet. Left side displays the classic Heer pattern eagle decal as shown.The helmet has a rough texture finish, with an even pattern of wear and light corrosion staining visible, The rivets are original to the helmet, with a nice "bloom" of patina around their circumference, a patina only acquired through time and use.A well-worn, and very honest leather liner is in place, displaying staining from wear and moisture, with portions missing on the edge, but all fingers are present, none are pulled through, and the adjusting string is in place. Fragments of the original chinstrap remain on the strap loops, which show moisture corrosion.Handpainted insignia is always a leap of faith, but the German's did things like this, perhaps a senior NCO, or officer who liked having the tri-color on his helmet. One thing is for sure, this helmet has seen the elephant as several small impact strikes can be seen on its surface, and, whoever painted the emblem on the helmet knew what they were doing.