My first cammo helmet?

[grandnagus]

I picked this (my first) M40 NS 64. German helmet last summer. It is painted brown. Looks like it was a darker color underneath. Got it from a picker of mine. Paid one bill for it!I did have to add a chinstrap. Need a size 55 liner for it too somday. Would this be considered a cammo helmet? Any other thoughts or opinians from the experts?

[grandnagus]

#2.

[grandnagus]

#3.

[grandnagus]

#4.

[Paul G]

Well to me it looks like one of two things. It could be a former whitewash helmet that been scrubbed of its whitewash and has taken on that tone from having its factory paint thinned a bit from the scrubbing, a bit of rust patina mixed with leftover whitewash and factory paint. By looking at the area around the rivets, its got that look. , or could just be a coating of rust, which tends to turn a whole helmet to a brown color. I think the first is more likely. I would leave the liner alone, as it has the very distinct look of a KIA liner with blood darkening and damage.

PG-

[Paul G]

PS, I would like to see a clear picture of that liner!
PSS, also theres nothing like putting a helmet on your head and not realizing that its a KIA liner/helmet and thats someone elses blood all over the inside, then finding out exactly what it is I have seen that before!

PG-

[grandnagus]

There is no rust at all on the outside. It is just brown paint. When it is wet ......it has a nice medium brown color. I will take pic of it when wet to show you gents. I thought it might be white wash too. But I am a newbe on German helmets.

[Lenny W]

There is no rust at all on the outside. It is just brown paint. When it is wet ......it has a nice medium brown color. I will take pic of it when wet to show you gents. I thought it might be white wash too. But I am a newbe on German helmets.

why would the helmet be wet ? just take some clear pics outside in natural light

[JPhilip]

There is no rust at all on the outside. It is just brown paint. When it is wet ......it has a nice medium brown color. I will take pic of it when wet to show you gents. I thought it might be white wash too. But I am a newbe on German helmets.

Hello,
Sorry to ask but what do you mean when you say "wet"
Do you leave your helmet outside when it's raining ?
German helmets don't get wet in dew by themselves...

on the first pic showing the decal, without knowing that some rust is located by the neck of the eagle, the latter looks like one of these vultures seen in numerous western movies or cartoons...

[Luis22]

THe helmet is authentic it has some superficial rust and dirt, you can leave it the way it is or you can spray some furniture spray (Glade) and the color will come back to life. The furniture spray wont do any harm is just a mild coat of wax with time it will turn back to the color that has now.

[coloradocowboy]

some better pics would really help

[Luftm40]

That is not dirt or rust...it is white wash that has turned brown w/ age, and quite a bit of it appears intact. So, I guess you washed it? Also, leave the liner alone!

[WalterB]

THe helmet is authentic it has some superficial rust and dirt, you can leave it the way it is or you can spray some furniture spray (Glade) and the color will come back to life. The furniture spray wont do any harm is just a mild coat of wax with time it will turn back to the color that has now.

Good Lord!! Just leave the helmet alone. Yet another helmet on its way to be ruined by "well-intentioned" collectors.

I agree with Andy, the "dusty" look of this helmet is the result of it being an ex-whitewash.

[Andy C.]

Walter and Andy are right, you never forget your first, dont mess with anything! I wish i still had mine (Chris you know who you are) just put it on your shelf and buld on it. Dont touch the liner, or wash it. You must of liked it thats why you bought it.

[findthehelmets]

if your going to change the liner some day, then you may as well touch up the decal with some black and silver paint, and respray the pot while your at it.