M 16 with unusual paint

[Mark Sheffy]

Hello All,
I posted this in the helmet forum,sorry,should have posted it here. Please comment,I just picked this one up this weekend. Anyone ever see paint like this ?
Thank You,
Mark

[Mark Sheffy]

2

[Mark Sheffy]

3

[Kornel R.]

I like the previous owner ( soldier ) sign - Pionier ? Zalewski - last name sounds polish ...
Paint .... ?? It doesn't look fresh but neither original and this cross shape on the front ...
any way interesting helmet .

[Mark Sheffy]

thank you

[C. Roelens]

Mark,

The outside paint and insignia are post war applied. By who, I do not know. The M16 liner system is original to this shell. The chinstrap looks a little thick, but appears to be original also.

Chuck

[Mark Sheffy]

Thanks Chuck !
yes,very strange..I checked it with a blacklight,it doesn't glow.

[C. Roelens]

Thanks Chuck !
yes,very strange..I checked it with a blacklight,it doesn't glow.

I was thinking maybe the Reichswehr and Freikorps units.

Chuck

[Mark Sheffy]

the paint sure is a mystery. If you look at the top,around the vents and rim,looks like paint loss from wear