Rare SESt64 M35 Heer double decal helmet in three-tone camouflage

Rare SESt64 M35 Heer double decal helmet in three-tone camouflage. The helmet is marked SEst64 indicating production by Sächsische Emaillier und Stanzwerke A.G. The helmet marking SEst64 was only manufactured for a very short period. The 1931 dated non(!)- reinforced liner is factory installed to the helmet. The helmet has a late war D-ring which was a field modification so that the troups could carry the helmet on a Y-strap hook or a horse saddle. This is not a regular D-ring but a specific made teardrop shaped piece of leather with a aluminium D-ring attatched to it. This was placed punctured with the helmet rivet between the liner band and helmet shell.

The helmet has several wartime repaints. The first one would be the factory apple green double decal Heer finish. This was topped off with a thick, brush applied paint which was mixed with sand to which most collectors refer to as Zimmerit. This was painted around (!) the Heer decal. The helmet was then worn and refinished again in a spray painted three-tone Normandy camouflage pattern with striking green and brown stripes. To the untrained eye it might look that the decal was subsequently dug out; but this is a wrong assumption because of the earlier masking whilst applying the thick ‘Zimmerit’ paint. This is a beautiful ‘Normandy’ camouflage helmet which is extra interesting to me because it has served not just campaign; but the whole war. It was one of the first produced M35 helmets and considering its camouflage paint whitnessed the war until the end. Beautiful, untouched time capsule from my personal collection that would be a great addition to any Normandy or helmet collection!