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Looks like black paint to me. I'm not aware of the Italians using Black paint/primer on post war helmets. But maybe others know.

Can you post larger resolution photos? They can't be expanded so hard for us to see enough.

If black paint, my gut tells me the helmet was messed with and then someone (non-official) repainted

We have a few members here who are very well versed with M33 and hopefully they will respond shortly.

My knowledge is cursory and subject to correction but will give my views until they do.
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