German M40 Heer DAK helmet size 64/57

Description

This original restored German M40 was made by Vereinigte Deutsche Nickelwerke AG, Schwerte. The heating lot number puts the production in 1941. The helmet was totally stripped of post-war paint and repainted the correct shade of rough textured field gray. A Heer C.A. Poucher decal was applied using period resin. An inspector’s ink stamp was applied on the dome and is the proper version used on NS marked shells.

The restoration was inspired by helmets worn by the Deutsches Afrikakorps. The camouflage paint was brushed on, over the factory field gray paint as was the practice in the era. The decal was masked off. The color is a blend of one of the known tan RAL used by the DAK and a bit of red bone primer. Due to supply issues the DAK often blended existing stocks of paint to make what they had last longer. Various shade of tan, yellow and orange were the norm between 1941-43.

The helmet comes fit with a period correct M31 liner and chinstrap, both well-worn to look and feel original.

The helmet has been carefully distressed to give the impression of heavily worn battlefield pick up that might have sat proudly on a vet’s bookshelf.

DAK helmets are quite rare these days, but now you can have a great example at a small fraction of the price of an original.