Relic M40 helmet with screw in vent hole???

[TheGoon]

I just purchased this helmet and I was thinking of restoring it because it doesn't have much going for it, but on the right side of the helmet in the air vent hole there seems to be a screw stuck in it or something, has anyone seen something like this?

[AMTG]

I do know sometimes the soldat would stick paper or mud into a vent hole to stop wind whistling through it a freezing his head off....maybe this is a example of a more permanent version of this practice

[KradSpam]

It looks to me like a handle was fitted to the side to make a scoop or something for use on a farm, etc. the whole appearance of the steel makes me think the same too. There is a mark around that area as if it was covered by a bracket, and the liner pin hole is blocked somehow also. Adapted into a farm tool IMO.

[TheGoon]

I think your right AMTG, the helmet is from Kurland which if im not mistaken was a winter battle? I could be wrong

[Paul D]

Kurland lasted from autumn 1944 to spring 1945 i think you'll find that the explanation given by Andy is nearer to the truth !!

[TheGoon]

I have a question, should I keep relics relics? Or should I restore something like this in this kind of condition or are relic helmets more desirable?

[Paul D]

It's your helmet you can do with it as you will but for me once you have messed with it it has no original identity anymore , this one is just a very rusty but original relic if you paint it then it becomes a rusty relic covered in fake paint and no originality.

It is what it is !!

[Neil Hever]

Leave as is. NH

[TheGoon]

I have a interest in restoring helmets but I have a feeling I should keep relics as relics and not to ruin the history of them, i'll clean this one up and see if it brings out anything

[Feuerbach]

Must agree with KradSpam, I think this helmet has been in use ater the war as a scoop. Seen them many times before.