M35 army (Heer) double decal three tone 'Normandy' ex-chicken wire camouflage helmet Q66

A highly attractive and characterful M35 German Heer steel helmet, originally produced in the early pre-war period in the classic apple green finish with double decals. This example was manufactured by Quist in size 66, a desirable larger size, and would have left the factory around 1937. During the early war period, likely around the Blitzkrieg campaigns of 1940, the helmet was overpainted with a rougher field-grey finish to tone down the glossy pre-war paint, traces of which can still be observed beneath the later camouflage layers.The helmet was subsequently camouflaged in a classic three-tone 'Normandy' pattern, consisting of a beige base with green and red-brown tones. A particularly striking feature of this helmet is the clear 'ghosting' left by previously applied chicken wire, which was used in the field to hold additional camouflage. This wire imprint remains strongly visible beneath the paint, creating a unique and highly desirable visual effect. Despite the multiple paint layers, faint remnants of both the Heer decal and the national tricolour are still visible beneath the camouflage. The helmet retains its original early aluminium liner with single band construction, with untouched split pins confirming it has never been removed.The interior further enhances the appeal, as the helmet is named to Hauptwachmeister Lehmann, with the inscription visible in the skirt. Additionally, another name, Manuel Gambarte, can be found within the liner, suggesting period reissue or multiple users. The liner remains original and intact, and the helmet also features an additional size marking applied in black ink, indicating shell size 66 with a head size of approximately 57–58. Sourced from the United States, this is a superb and 100% original combat-used camouflage helmet, offering exceptional display value and strong collector appeal.