Repaints and Camouflage Helmets
In many instances, helmets that had seen several years of use needed to be refitted with new liners, chinstraps and paint. Prewar M35s that originally had the smooth factory paint were usually refinished in a paint more suitable for concealment in combat.
This chapter will show a representative selection of repaints / one-color camouflage helmets that display the great diversity of colors and textures found on helmets used by the German forces during the occupation of Norway (1940-1945).
An M35 ET64 classical reissue with light grey sand-textured paint. While the paint has a rough sand texture, it is not regarded as a sand camouflage helmet. Notice the reissue-type Heer decal that has partially flaked off due to the rough surface. This type of reissue is common in Norway.
The liner of the M35 shown above. This helmet was refitted with new paint (brushed), liner, decal, and chinstrap. It was also repainted inside the dome. Under the liner around the rim the soldier placed some folded pages from the German Wehrmacht magazine "Signal" to make it more comfortable to wear.
M35 Q64 repainted with brushed light grey sand-textured paint. The original Big foot decal was painted around and the national shield was painted over.
The liner of the M35 shown above.
M35 ET68 repaint with light grey sand-textured paint. The helmet has the same sand-textured paint as the M35 above but was brushed on in a thinner layer. Most of the decal has flaked off due to the rough surface. The helmet has been equipped with a hooks in front and rear for fastening a camouflage net. Found in 1945 in a Coastal fort in South of Norway (Ny-Hellesund).
The liner of the M35 above. Notice the wire mounting hooks. The helmet was repainted inside the dome as well.
M35 ET64 with hand-painted black matte paint.
The liner of the M35 above. Named to "Mau".
M35 EF68 with hand-brushed light green-grey sand paint.
The liner of the M35 above. Named to "Regel".
M35 ET68 repainted with an airbrush. The decal is hand-painted over with a thick layer of the same paint.
Notice the factory paint in areas where the repaint has worn off.
The liner of the M35 above.
M35 ET62 with a rough textured sand paint. The paint was brushed on thickly resulting in a rough finish.
The liner of the M35 above. Named to Hauptwachtmeister "Hlare".
M35 ET68 with a dark green repaint. The decal is partially visible.
The liner of the M35 above. This helmet is named 3 times in the rear skirt and once in the leather. Under the liner the soldier placed some housing insulation material to provide warmth. This is WW2 era material.
M42 EF64 with brushed dark grey paint.
The liner of the M42 above. Notice the wear and streching in the liner. Named to "Ohlsen".
M35 ET62 with grey-blue sand paint.
THe liner of the M35 above. The helmet shows little wear and it is probably a depot find.
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