This looks like a theatrically/artificially aged helmet.

. Hi Kat,   the thing about my Shoebox is I am still finding things I had forgotten about, a couple of days ago I found my jars of buttons and parts for repairing clothing and equipment.   Have you ever seen these items before, I will give you a few days to think about it and answer in a couple of posts time . . . .  if you haven't guessed it. Others may already know the answer . . . . . . .        Norman D. Landing, Forum Normandy Correspondent, 20 March  2O26.   …  

Thanks, jmd62, here’s another bullion patch:  

. A little fun visiting friends houses . . . . . . . .   I have a local couple here who listen to UK radio, whenever they listened to radio or watched television for events regarding Queen Elizabeth their small Jack Russell would howl horrendously when he heard  God save the Queen played,  so secretly before leaving I would always command ' Alexa ' to play God save the queen in thirty minutes . . . . . . . .      Now if you can stand a little foul language, and there are NO children listening try this one,   '  Alexa say coffee bean one hundred in Welsh ' .   Remember I didn't encourage anyone to try this . . . . . . . . . .    Norman D. Landing, Forum Normandy Correspondent, 20 March  2O26.   …  

The thing I love most about your shoebox is that it contains items I have never seen.    ...Kat

well, it was with him when he was commanding his company in the 29th at St. Lo and was injured.....I also have the map case he carried it in. 

. From my small Shoebox Collection.   Early 1970's I got into collecting militaria following the purchase of my first Jeep.  London had many militaria dealers opening up around this time.  Chris Farlowe a UK singer in the British charts diversified his earnings, when he toured America he would return with substantial amounts of surplus and militaria, he ran a store in London called ' Call to Arms ' when he wasn't out touring.  I bought this folding candle lantern from him mid 70's, he had an original cardboard carton of them.           Norman D. Landing, Forum Normandy Correspondent, 20 March  2O26.   …      

If you look in the lower left corner you’ll see ‘Geographical Section General Staff’. This was the part of the British War Office responsible for map making. It was supplied by the Brits to the US to be reproduced and distributed for their own use. Many European maps were likewise. They were produced in huge quantities. The British print run of November 1943 alone was 100,000 copies. General topographical maps covering France and the Low Countries were being printed months in advance of the invasion and stockpiled. Maps of the relevant Overlord areas were issued at the last moment in sealed packages. So it’s not rare, but the value is in your family’s connection.

Thank you Lance and everyone else, I appreciate it!  

Here is his buddy Private First Sergeant. The shops in theater would make anything you would pay for.