Originally finished in dark green, this helmet has been oversprayed with a combination of green, brown and tan vehicle paint, with the original SS decal masked off to preserve it. Helmets showing this variety of spray pattern are often associated with the Waffen-SS and paratrooper units assigned to the defense of Normandy. About half of the black-on-silver SS "double rune" decal is present on the right side of the helmet, with some scuffing exposing the original finish and the underlying steel. The interior retains the original finish, with "ckl66" stamped into the skirt, an illegible name scratched into one side in the rear, and "Gunzenhauser" in white paint near the stamp. Included with the helmet is a copy of a 1991 letter from a German agency responsible for maintaining Wehrmacht records. In the (untranslated) letter, the agency responds to a request for info on a Gerhard Gunzenhauser (born November 23, 1924, Wittenberg). While they did not have a full service record, their information confirmed that on August 20, 1944 Gunzenhauser was taken into American captivity in the Falaise region, and would remain a POW until 1948. The letter further stated that Gunzenhauser was alive, living in Wittenberg, and interested in talking to the original correspondent. Taking place from August 12th to 21st, the Battle of the Falaise Pocket marked the completion of the Allied invasion of Normandy. Representing the last Nazi German strength in Northern France, the forces trapped in the pocket included a number of hardcore Paratrooper and Waffen-SS formations; of these about 10,000 were killed in action, another 50,000 taken prisoner, and the remainder retreating from France minus much of their heavy gear. Additional notes attribute Gunzenhauser as a veteran of the 17th SS Panzer Division "Goetz von Berlichingen"; named for the famed knight known for replacing his severed hand with an articulated iron prosthesis, the 17th was heavily engaged at Normandy, squaring off against American paratroopers and fighting through hedgerow country. While the 17th managed to escape the Falaise Pocket, they did so at a high cost in terms of lost men and equipment.

Very good, with wear and scuffing appropriate to age and use. The webbing and chinstrap show tearing, sweat staining and a few holes.