This item has surfaced on ebay US, a very distinctive helmet indeed, so much so that it surely has been seen before.
And the eBay link : 507th PIR Camouflage Painted 1943 Experimental Bale Paratrooper Helmet Shell | eBay
The sellers description is below, and makes some unusual claims. Has anyone seen this before? Pure fantasy? A grain of truth? 100% correct?
Absolutely 100% Original 507th PIR, 82nd Airborne Division Camouflage Painted Helmet recovered from the 507th sector in Normandy, France. The helmet was purchased by myself from the Carentan Historical Center in Ste Mere Eglise, Normandy, France in June 2011. I will include the original Bill of Sale as well as concurrent emails from the owner explaining the origins of the helmet. The helmet's exterior is adorned with a green camouflage paint scheme that is still about 50-60%. On either side, two crude applications of Gas Vesicant Paint that are still visible. The helmet is fitted with experimental bales that were mandated by the Airborne Command in 1943. M2 and M1 Helmets were modified by adding portions of the U.S. Mess Kit and attached to the helmet by brass rivets. The experimental modification was quickly suspended as the integrity of the shell was compromised when riveted. Helmets with this modification have been found from Normandy to Bastogne which show that they were actually used in combat. This information and examples of this helmet can be found in the book, "American Paratrooper Helmets" by Michel De Trez. The helmet still has it's original chinstraps and stamped steel buckle. Though frayed, the stitching on the chinstrap is consistent with the pictures shown in the book "American Paratrooper Helmet." The front of the helmet has been damaged from shrapnel or an extreme concussion from shell blast. Stress Cracks can clearly been seen which leave the fate of it's owner unclear. This poignant relic clearly exemplifies the ferocity of fighting that occurred on the morning of June 6, 1944. This is an awesome opportunity to own a fantastic example of an Airborne Helmet that was used during the D-Day Invasion. It is 100% Correct and all documentation will be provided to the winner bidder showing its origins. An absolute awesome 507th PIR Helmet, that is extremely hard to obtain. I will give a 3 Day Inspection to the winning bidder and will ship UPS Ground upon payment receipt. Shipping will be $15.00, unless Insured is preferred by the buyer. Please no foreign bidders.
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