M40 Luftwaffe single decal 'black camouflaged' steel helmet ET66

German Luftwaffe M40 helmet, single decal example, shell size ET66, marked by Eisenhüttenwerke Thale with lot number 1348. This is an interesting and uncommon example as the helmet has been period overpainted in black, with the Luftwaffe eagle decal still faintly visible underneath the paint.Such black overpainted helmets are known to have been used by units operating at night, such as anti-aircraft (Flak) crews or personnel requiring reduced visibility. It is also known that certain collaboration units, such as the Flemish Guard, used similarly black-painted helmets, making this a particularly intriguing piece with multiple possible historical contexts.The helmet retains its original liner, which is heavily worn with damaged and dry leather tongues, but still present and original to the helmet. The split pins are untouched and in good condition. Overall, this is a nicely preserved and honest helmet with strong character, and the black overpaint gives it a unique and attractive appearance that is not commonly encountered.