M40 Camo Full-Basket Wire

**Max Hansen** · 04-15-2012, 06:47 PM

Hi All,
The story with this one is that it was brought back by a vet of aTank Destroyer Battalion. The reason why the wire looks so good after all these years is that it is zinc coated. The pattern of the wire transfers nicely to the helmet; in some areas the transference is perfect. There was a Heer decal under the wartime repaint.
Tight fitting liner system is 100% original to the helmet. All three split rivet fasteners are untouched, complete and intact with the slotted washers. Full length drawstring with original knot is still in place. Chinstrap is present and pretty pliable, but date on tip has worn away. Name written inside liner looks like 'Bonig'. Stamping inside rear is 541; stamping on inside left is ET64. I tried to move the tight fitting wire as best I could to show imprint on helmet. Lots here to enjoy!

Thanks, Max

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 04-15-2012 06:47 PM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**SteveR** · 04-15-2012, 07:04 PM

There are no wear marks on the edges of the helmet where the wire wraps around the edges. Nor are there any wire wear marks on the body of the helmet. Zinc coated wire still rusts. The wire is new. The helmet appears to have been vacume bagged. Dust applied to helmet and wiped away in the openings.
Sorry

**Scout** · 04-15-2012, 07:20 PM

That wire sure look new ...

**blaksaussa** · 04-15-2012, 07:33 PM

i'll pass for sure on this one..especially due to the chicken wire

**Nitram** · 04-15-2012, 07:39 PM

The wire looks bad to me too. Real wire would be worn at the bottom, and it would fit more loosely, so that camoflauge could be stuffed under it.

Nitram

**Max Hansen** · 04-15-2012, 07:46 PM

Thanks guys....can't win em' all!

**big ned** · 04-15-2012, 07:51 PM

I actually like it, does anyone remember the deriding that 'Jim in Ohio' got for his wire covered helmet? Nearly everyone who commented was wrong. I'll stick my neck out for it, the white rust is atypical for quality wire of this period.

Regards, Ned.

**Max Hansen** · 04-15-2012, 07:55 PM

I love you Ned! I don't think you're sticking your neck out either.

Thanks, Max

**Schwerpunkt** · 04-15-2012, 08:00 PM

I think that again the pictures are too poor to make an evaluation. I don't see the overpaint you are talking about , it looks like the factory paint to me , in that case the decal must be there.