M40 EF64 SD Heer - Black?

**MD Helmets** · 03-17-2015, 11:59 PM

Greetings! Picked this one up a few days ago. It looks to be painted black but the decal doesn't appear to be painted around, or at least it's not very obvious. The inside of the skirt is a feldgrau color. I've seen EF helmets with a very dark patina, appearing almost black, and was wondering if maybe that's the issue here. It's an EF64 with lot# 1269. The liner band is dated 1941. None of the split pins are marked, and are rather flat on the outside. The strap is much thicker than typical German straps and only has 12 holes for the buckle. The liner is named.

What are your thoughts?

Thank you!

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Forgot the inside

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 03-17-2015 11:59 PM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**helmet2id** · 03-18-2015, 12:55 AM

To me it looks like the piece was painted black and the decal was painted around. These are somewhat controversial as many say the black paint is post War, but I think the ones with the decals painted around, that have the texture and patina like this one, are period done. I like it. I have a very similar one myself. Jim G.

**MD Helmets** · 03-18-2015, 01:07 AM

Thank you, Jim. I'm not sure why someone would paint a helmet black postwar and keep the decal exposed. Doesn't make sense to me. I wonder if the controversy will ever be solved. Whoever painted this one black did a very good, clean job.

**FALLSCHIRMJAGER** · 03-18-2015, 08:11 AM

Hi, looks a period black over paint to me as well, just a thought but as there are known Luftwaffe flak crew helmets painted black, could this possibly be a Heer flak crew version? Leon.