Original German M40 WWII Type Steel Helmet- Finnish M40/55, Size 55cm, US 6 7/8

Original Item: In another military antiques coup, IMA has just acquired the last of all the known WWII helmet stocks from the government of Finland. These helmets are 100% genuine German manufactured WWII type M40 steel combat helmets that were produced by German WWII helmet manufacturer Hans R mer Fabrik from Neu-Ulm (Donau-Freiberg).

Supplied throughout WWII and then under special contract for the Finnish Army in 1955, hence, they have become known as the M40/55 helmet. However, these helmets were made in the same factory, on the same machines and by some of the very same people that produced them for Germany in WWII. They are nearly identical to WWII issue M40 s, (and are often sold as such) with the classic rolled edge, correct steel thickness, and pressed ventilation holes. Furthermore, we have very good reason to believe that some of these shells are sanitized German WWII M35 and M40 helmets; meaning some are genuine WWII shells that had all stampings rubbed out and original paint removed to avoid the allied ban on West Germany selling war materiel after WW2.

The leather liners and chinstraps were made in Finland for the Finnish army; styles vary, as some of the helmets were used up until the early 1970s. The shells do however, accept our splendid reproduction M35 WWII leather helmet liner and chinstrap with reproduction WW2 split pin and washer sets. For installation of a WWII reproduction German liner please be aware that drilling new front holes in liner, not the shell, might be required in some cases.

Styles and colors (Field Grey, Field Green) may vary slightly so please see photos for variation examples. Each helmet is offered in good to very good condition, but will show storage wear, minor paint chips and scratches, and occasionally a small ding but all are free of major dents or imperfections. After all, these are real military helmets that were used by actual soldiers in the defense