WW2 GERMAN M40 HELMET- NORWEIGAN RE-ISSUE
History
This helmet has quite a history. It started out service as a Model 1940 Stahlhelm issued to a German Soldier serving in Norway during WW2. After the war, Norway needed military equipment to outfit its new army and they adopted much of the equipment that was left behind by the Germans. The Norwegians adopted the German helmet as the standard issue helmet after WW2. These helmets remained in service until they were replaced with a US styled helmet in 1959.
Item Description
This helmet consists of an original WW2 German Model 1940 shell with original liner. The Norwegians repainted the shells and applied the new army decals, treated some of the leather liners with a dark brown dye and preservative, this helmet has escaped the dye finished and the liner remains soft and supple, replacement Norweigan chin strap which is damaged to one end and leather liner; shoe string tie. This helmet is maker stamped ET64.
Whilst many years ago these helmets were quite common and many were used by helmet fakers to produce copies of original German helmets. Nowadays any remaining helmets that still have their Norweigan finish and decals are becoming collectable and this helmet is one such example. In Europe prices start at around 450 Euros plus postage and GST.