Rare ET64 M35 Heer double decal helmet in three-tone camouflage with period added chickenwire

ET64 M35 Heer double decal helmet in three-tone camouflage with period added chickenwire. According to the collector the helmet was found in the 1980’s near Caen in Normandy. The helmet is a typical M35 helmet with two consequitive camouflage paint layers. The first is a tan colour on top of the apple green as is typical for the Afrikakorps. The second layer is a darker, late war tan camouflage colour which was topped with green and brown camouflage paint. The green and brown camouflage paint colours have mostly washed off which is typical when the tan base colour wasn’t properly degreased or prepared for painting. Or even when the brown and green was poorly mixed on a bad base. The inside skirt and band of the liner of the helmet is also painted but the dome is left in its factory colour. The helmet retains its original, period made half basket chickenwire cover. The helmet and the chickenwire show a lot of interaction with the thick camouflage paints. When I add all these parts up it seems logical that the helmet should have belonged to a member of the 21. Panzerdivision. This division which was prior being stationed in Normandy fighting in North Africa where the first layer of tan paint would have been typical. According to the previous collector the helmet was cleaned at some point whereas some of the green and brown camouflage paint might have been lost.

The helmet is marked ET64 which indicates production by Eisenhuttenwerke Thale. The helmet retains its factory installed liner. The helmet would be a nice addition to any Normandy themed collection!