Very unusual M40 souvenir indeed!!

**Isle of Wighter** · 05-18-2010, 04:21 PM

Came across this on the worlds most popular auction site.The selller says it is a trophy helmet brought back from Italy.The outside has been painted "Gothic Line San Pietro-Hill-810 3rdBn. 133rd. Inf. Regt. 34TH. "Red Bull" Inf Div. I dont know what to make of it to be honest, just thought it was very interesting.Very rare if its not a fake. I have done a little bit of research and The 34th "Red Bull" Infantry Division did fight on the Gothic Line in Italy 1944....

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 05-18-2010 04:21 PM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**Farradin** · 05-18-2010, 04:35 PM

Wooow!

Indeed a nice souvenir. I hope it's real, 'cus I don't know.

/Farradin

**John Brandon** · 05-18-2010, 07:02 PM

After 65 years, the white wouldn't be white, and the red definitely wouldn't be red, unless it's been in a bottom draw all of the time. Personally I would view this with great suspicion

**Walkwolf** · 05-18-2010, 07:20 PM

Whoever did the artwork on it was very good, nice lettering, well balanced, etc....
But I think it may be a 'tribute piece' possibly made up for a Vet, for the same
reasons that John Brandon states. The paint is inconsistent with the
condition of the helmet itself.

**Isle of Wighter** · 05-18-2010, 07:24 PM

I wouldn't part with cash for it. Be interesting to see how many do though

A bold move from the fakers or a mis-described helmet... Its got a couple of bids. I think you are right though Steve, its more likely to be a tribute piece.

**Jerry B** · 05-18-2010, 07:37 PM

by Isle of Wighter

I wouldn't part with cash for it. Be interesting to see how many do though

A bold move from the fakers or a mis-described helmet... Its got a couple of bids. I think you are right though Steve, its more likely to be a tribute piece.

Most likely to be a FAKE

and a very obvious one at that, IMO.

Jerry

**helmet2id** · 05-18-2010, 07:39 PM

The colors do look vibrant as John and others have said, but if there are the spider webs cracks in the paint that usually come with age it may in fact be old! Maybe not though, as the camo looks a bit sketchy! I like the vet art like this, but only if it is truly vet done reasonably close to the end of the War. It will be interesting to see what price the piece fetches! Jim G.

**ObKrieger** · 05-18-2010, 07:45 PM

it looks like a really nice original quist helmet, but id have to agree with all of you. the souvenir paint looks too fresh.

**Isle of Wighter** · 05-18-2010, 08:02 PM

by vonbond

Most likely to be a FAKE

and a very obvious one at that, IMO.

Jerry

Definitely.Its all too busy and colourful. I never had any doubts

**Walkwolf** · 05-18-2010, 11:14 PM

by helmet2id

The colors do look vibrant as John and others have said, but if there are the spider webs cracks in the paint that usually come with age it may in fact be old! Maybe not though, as the camo looks a bit sketchy! I like the vet art like this, but only if it is truly vet done reasonably close to the end of the War. It will be interesting to see what price the piece fetches! Jim G.

There are original veteran made pieces, but I don't think this is one of them.
As Jerry says - it is a fake, and has been done fairly recently by a talented
artist for a Vet or a Vets family, etc., as a souvenir or tribute item.
It does look like it was painted on an original helmet though.

I have also seen modern replica 'Type A-2' flight jackets that have been
painted like this, with squadrons, or bomber groups on the back to
wear in reenactment groups, or to memorialise
someones military service.

It will be interesting to see what it goes for............!