PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A standard WWII issue Italian combat helmet with a black infantry insignia, with the numeral "3" in its center, stenciled to its front. The "3" indicates the 3^rd regiment of the Piemonte 29^th division. The metal helmet, whose rim is subtly pointed in the front and sweeps down over the ears, retains about 85% of its original olive drab paint. Its one rear and two forward liner attachment rivets are intact. To the interior, there is an eight fingered, tan, leather liner, with ventilation holes punched in it, although the adjustable leather drawstring is missing. The number "57" has been punched into the right side of the liner. There is blue hand written text of what appears to be "F.I." in two places and some other indiscernible writing. Also stamped in black ink on the liner is what appears to be "B019". Between the leather liner and the metal liner attachment ring is a band of thick, khaki-colored felt, which is in good condition. There is a "M 57" stamped in the interior rivetted metal retaining strip and a "M 20" stamped in the underside of the rim at the back. The olive drab-colored leather chinstrap, with a black-painted steel pronged roller buckle and leather retaining loop to one side, and seven buckling holes to the other side, is folded over and rivetted to suspension rings to either side. The strap holding the roller buckle has stamped into the leather a double oval with "1934" to the center surrounded by what seems to be the text "A.G.Riurossi, Verona." Age and usage soiling is evident to the liner, although there is almost no wear to the chin strap except for some minor surface cracking, light to moderate staining and oxidization to the metal rivets and buckle. The liner and the chinstrap have started to stiffen. The exterior of the helmet has minor surface scratches, some minor chips, light to moderate surface spotting and a small amount of oxidization to the outer rim. The interior is starting to show its age with a moderate amount of surface spotting being evident. Overall, a good example.

GRADE***                             PRICE $410.00