Waffen-SS M40 'Normandy' Camouflaged Helmet
Waffen-SS M40 Camouflage Combat Helmet (Stahlhelm M40). The steel construction M40 helmet retains most of its three-tone tan/brown/green 'Normandy' camouflage overpaint. All three liner retaining rivets are intact. The interior of the helmet is an M31 leather liner with all eight fingers intact and the original liner cord is present as well, the leather is in good condition. The liner is size '59' marked. The name of a Waffen-SS member has been written on the liner. The shell is marked with maker and size 'Q66'. 'Q' is indicating production by the 'F.W. Quist, G.m.b.H.' in Esslingen. The reverse interior neck guard apron has a stamped lot-number 'IN226', this is a lot-number which can be found in Lot-number research lists as provided to the Waffen-SS. The name of the SS member is also written in the back of the helmet, see photos. The helmet is complete with its original leather chinstrap. Stunning original Camouflage Helmet!
This helmet was left behind in the Netherlands and acquired by the recently closed Eyewitness Museum many years ago, it has been in display in the museum in the diorame in the last picture!