German Army Single Decal M40 Combat Helmet with Camouflage Wire and Capture Paper

The M40 combat helmet retains approximately 75% of its field gray combat paint, with spots of light surface rust. The single army eagle decal is approximately 85% intact. The helmet retains original wire wrapping to permit placement of foliage for camouflage purposes. The interior liner is present and shows wear, with a broken liner string. The chin strap is gone, although one end of it remains attached to the bale. The interior side of the helmet is marked “ET66”, indicating a size 66 helmet shell manufactured by the firm of Eisenhuttenwerk in Thale. The helmet is accompanied by the original capture certificate that was given to Private William Elsner of the U.S. Army 33rd Medical Depot Company and which authorized him to send the helmet home as a souvenir. The 33rd Medical Depot was formed at Fort Carlson, Colorado, in October of 1943. The unit served in England, France, and Germany during World War II.