German M40 Waffen SS Normandy 17th SS Panzergrenadier Division Helmet : This is a genuine German WW2 helmet painted originally in field grey and repainted with Normandy camouflage. It is marked with the Waffen SS runes decal and has several markings in various places.

This helmet represent one worn by the 17th SS Panzergrenadier Division who saw action at the Normandy front just as the US Army was about to link up its bridgeheads at Carentan. In a furious counterattack against the US 101st Airborne Division, led by the 42 StuG IIIs of its panzer battalion, the 17th SS Division lost some 450 casualties. The panzergrenadiers came to within 500m (1640ft) of the town until a counterattack drove them back. The division then joined forces with the veteran 6th Parachute Regiment to block the advance of two US corps for nearly a month in vicious, close-quarter combat. Relations between the two units were strained at first, after Waffen-SS officers attempted to try the commander of the parachute unit for treason at a field court martial. His "crime" was that he had ordered a retreat.

The helmet has two stampings: 'Q64' on the left hand side rim and '355' at the rear edge, which are the manufacturer, size(64) and batch/production numbers. There is an army acceptance stamp dated 1940 inside the helmet shell. The acceptance stamp says 'der Heer und Marine'.

There is no liner or chin strap, however the helmet has the name 'L.B. SMIDT SS F.P. 17312' painted in the rear rim. This was the owners name and Field Post Number.

The helmet is 100% genuine German and the decal, and paint work are post war! A great item for the Waffen SS or German military helmet collector.

	Postage, Packaging & Handling:				Status:
Cost	UK	Europe	USA & Canada	Australia & Far East	Sold
	£8.90	£17.10	£25.80	£30.10

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