Description
Original German WWII M40 steel helmet shell
This is an original German WWII M40 steel helmet shell, professionally restored to reflect a period-correct field appearance as encountered in wartime theaters of operation.
The helmet is an authentic M40 shell, identifiable by its stamped and rolled edge construction rather than the unrolled edge of a M42. The shell is stamped “1024”, denoting the lot or batch number on the neck apron. The soldier’s name painted in white inside the neck apron named to “Gfr. Koch.” The shell itself is original.
The helmet has been restored using a newly made liner and chinstrap, correctly patterned after wartime examples to return the shell to a complete and displayable state. The original vent rivets are absent, a known condition on some recovered shells, but this does not detract from the authenticity of the steel shell itself.
Finish has been carefully executed to resemble period paint schemes. The interior retains a factory-style green finish, consistent with original German production methods, while the exterior features a mottled tan camouflage paint, representative of field-applied finishes commonly seen in certain theaters, particularly where concealment in arid or transitional environments was required. The overall appearance reflects the practical, utilitarian nature of wartime helmet camouflage rather than a factory-applied decorative finish.
