This is a Czech government fire and civil defense helmet shell that used an original German army WWII helmet shell as a base. The shell model is the M35 that was issued first in 1935 and has the rolled edge and the grommet vents on the side. The shell size is a 66 with a “NS” maker code that is very prized by collectors. This shell will fit the Sz 58 and 59 liner. The story behind it is this. After WW2, mostly during the cold war the Czech government needed helmets to keep in reserve for civil defense emergencies. Since right after the war there were many German helmet shells around the decision was made to use the helmets and refurbish them. In the 1950’s the shells were stripped of their wartime paint and given a coat of black paint, sometimes with primer over the bare metal. Black paint was used since it is the color of civil defense. Then depending on the need the original liner was kept or a cheap simple replacement liner was installed. Several types of helmets were used for civil defense purposes and German WW2 helmets were common. Since the helmet was stripped to the metal there is no WW2 era paint or any offensive symbols under the paint. The helmet you see on the pictures is the one you will get. The helmet has no holes no dents or scratches in the helmet. It is a very nice helmet you will certainly like. The item “Czech reissue GERMAN ARMY WWII WW2 ORIGINAL M35 HELMET SHELL SzNS66 #627″ is in sale since Tuesday, June 27, 2017. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Militaria\WW II (1939-45)\Original Period Items\Germany\Hats & Helmets”. The seller is “vit-zemanek” and is located in Czech Republic, EUROPE. This item can be shipped worldwide.