Who had it?   Is there a before photo of it?   Are they going to have a permanent location to see it?   It looks like the type of sign that’s at the village boundary announcing you’re entering StME.     

These are more accurate photos showing the actual color using a different camera without flash.  Its a lot darker than the ones I took outside with flash.  The paint is very worn especially on the crown where it is worn down to the metal.  As I mentioned the liner is painted red and has the name "Paul" on the front.  I suspect Major Cooper had a son named Paul who really loved to play with his dad's helmet and worn down the paint and gave it a more shiny look and also knocked off the major's oakleaf.  If I can track down his name on any of the unit rosters I might be able to verify his service dates to see if he even served during the occupation.  If it was painted after the war it wouldn't make much sense to add a follow me bar.  Just my opinion, this is his wartime helmet.

So, I have had this since 2022. It was by sheer luck and a huge gamble of even what it was I was bidding on. As far as I can tell it turned out in my favor! I was hoping for input from the more knowledgeable to possibly confirm my thoughts! I know the owners name from the Estate Sale I won the bid from; graduated High School around 1960-61 probably then enlisted in the Army. Served in Vietnam as a medic and I have a picture of him wearing 5th SF uniform. Owner of knife lived in PA.       So, if anyone has any input on the knife and possibly help with info on the owner, I can supply his name, Please!!!   Thanks in Advance,   Mark    

. just had an evening meal with Johan and six of his Belgian friends,  it started honking down with rain before we got our desserts. A quick goodbye for the night on the car park.    Norman D. Landing, Forum Normandy Correspondent, June 03   2O25. 

I know this wasn't posted for an evaluation; At a cursory glance I really like this one though, and look forward to seeing more pictures.  I'm in the occupation crowd with it, in a good way. 

Good evening Misfit 45, i did show one of this a few days ago. Maybe have you an idea for that piece. Thanks, Jm

I've seen them slung in lots of different ways but never like this. I'd guess he has the cover hook going through one of the buckles on his gasmask bag. Quick rig to remove and convenience for the e-tool. Easier sitting too. My .02

Boy if this is a copy it would have fooled me.  This looks like the Japanese made UNPFK SSI.  Is there something you can point two that gives you pause into thinking it is a copy?  

I’ve been burned on several occasions this is why I’ve joined this forum and others. Thanks for your input

My problem is the shade of green. What other US Army equipment used that shade of green at that time? The leadership stripe faded fast after the war and that departure date of November 1945 puts the clock ticking on when that repaint was done.