New Made Item: Simply put this is the very best reproduction M1942 helmet available anywhere. It is exclusive and has been in development for over a year. It was copied exactly from an original. Germany entered WWII with the M-35 helmet as standard issue (WW1 M-16 & M-18 helmets were also in use). In 1942, Due to wartime demands, the M-42 design was put into production because it was significantly quicker to manufacture. The rolled edge of the M-35 shell was eliminated, creating an unfinished edge along the rim. This edge flared out slightly, along the base of the skirt. The elimination of the rolled edge expedited the manufacturing process and reduced the amount of metal used in each helmet, without sacrificing protection. Let us explain precisely why it is the very best M42 reproduction helmet available on the market today: The shell is constructed of 1.8mm thick steel, exactly the same thickness used by the Germans in WWII. This means our helmet is as heavy and as solid as an original. The shell is large (size 68) and has the correct M1942 flared edge as well as proper pressed steel ventilation holes. For added authenticity we stamped a German wartime four-digit code at nape and ET68 over ear. The liner comprised of soft tan (cream colored) genuine leather that, just like the originals, will turn brown with age, in correct eight finger configuration with central drawstring and an M1931 aluminum liner band that is maker marked, dated, and size stamped! Liner size can accommodate head sizes 7 1/4 (58cm) up to 7 51/2 (60cm). The all leather chinstrap has a black exterior with tan interior, comes with metal studs, correct aluminum buckle, and connects to the helmet with proper "D" rings. The finish/color is "smooth gray-green" or "field-grau", we worked hard on getting to color correct, which is what typically ruins a reproduction helmet, so hard that we spent 2 months testing formulas to until we got it right. T