Original Item: One-of-a-kind. This is a fine example of totally original Model M40 M-1940 German WW2 large size 66 helmet shell, refurbished by a master German camouflage restorer. The shell is stamped E.F.64, indicating that Emaillierwerke AG, of Fulda, Germany manufactured it. It is also stamped with lot number 4687 under the rear skirt. These markings are fairly hard to see due to the paint. Size 64 is a nice medium size that can accommodate liners from 56cm to 57cm or US 7 to 7 1/8. Size 64 shells are harder to find and are therefore more valuable to a collector.

Notable history of the WWII M40 SS "Kampfgruppe Peiper" Ardennes Winter Medic Helmet-

- On December 16th 1944 the Germans launched their last great offensive. Known here as the Battle of the Bulge, it is officially known as the Ardennes offensive.

- The German code name was "Unternehmen Wacht am Rhein" (Watch on the Rhein). The intent was to lull the Allies to sleep thinking it was a defensive operation

- The spearhead unit was the 6th Panzer Army made up of the 1SS LAH, 3SS Totenkopf, and 12SS AH Jugen.

- Within the 1st SS LAH Panzer Division was one of the most well known and notorious battle groups, Kampfgruppe Peiper, named after convicted war criminal SS-Standartenführer Joachim Peiper. The group became well known for committing war crimes against civilians and PoWs.

- By 1944 helmets had been over painted with white to blend with the snow. The red crosses are plainly seen repainted over the white for Sanität Medic Troops. This example has had a heavy wire put around the shell, with chicken wire strung across the crown. This allowed additional items such as fabric and foliage to be attached, improving the camouflage profile. As with the originals, any decals present were painted over.

- The chicken wire on this example exactly replicates the same European wire used during much of the war. The twist in the wire varies by country and by time. So many helmets out there use wire that is not correct for the period.

- German Veterans who had seen service in Russia were surprised in Normandy by the civility of the combat where in the east the red cross medic helmet was not respected, and even specifically targeted at times.

- This helmet represents those who bravely faced combat with bright red crosses seen by all.

What does refurbished mean? While the shell is 100% genuine WWII manufacture, we have tasked, perhaps the very best German Helmet restorer in the USA, to customize this helmet. Every detail is hand done, with the finest materials including a hand painted shell, with a hand hand aged high quality reproduction liner. Please know that the paint, liner and chinstrap, while they look totally original are all new and the helmet has been refurbished to look as if it was picked up off the battlefield by a USGI and brought home as a war trophy.

This helmet is one-of-a-kind there will never be one exactly like it, making it a true collectors piece that will do nothing but appreciate in value in the coming years. This is a rare opportunity to own a genuine WWII German Helmet for a fraction of the cost of one with original camouflage paint.