M40 dug helmet decal - what is it?

**Danmark** · 03-20-2010, 04:10 AM

I bought this ground dug M40 helmet a while back from a seller in Lithuania. It's a size 64 but the stampings are illegible.

What intrigued me ( here in Oz & so far away from Europe ) was the concussion damage and the amount of remaining gray / green paint - thanks to the soil conditions over there. Anyway, the seller said there were NO decals on it but after a light clean & scrub, I was pleasantly surprised to see a faint shield appear. When the helmet is dampened with water, it becomes a little clearer ( which is what you see in the photos )

OK, so I know it's not SS - their runes were on the opposite side ( and there is no decal that side ) and the shield shape seems to be a bit more pointed than a German one - who's might it have been? Any ideas guys?

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 03-20-2010 04:10 AM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

alex11 · 03-20-2010, 04:14 AM

Heer?

**Danmark** · 03-20-2010, 05:08 AM

Alex, yeah I guess it has to be but it seems to be a bit more pointed at the bottom. Wish there was a bit more left of it but as they say " that's all folks, there aint no more"

**Zeller** · 03-20-2010, 06:39 AM

I think you did a great job in cleaning it. I agree, I think it was a Heer decal.
You may revive it a bit with some oxalic acid with water.

**Danmark** · 03-20-2010, 07:53 AM

Thanks Zeller, I've read of Dimas' & others success stories with Oxalic, I just have to find where I can get some here. I'll post some more photos on the restoration page if I succeed!

**SpenceMortlock** · 03-20-2010, 09:33 AM

Hi there,

Here in Australia the easiest place to pick up Oxalic Acid is at your local Bunnings store. It is made by Diggers, just go with a cup full in a large bucket of warm water for about 15 minutes and repeat as required. Works great

Regards,

Spence