An evolution of the World War I stahlhelm, the 1935 pattern stahlhelm is one of the most distinctive combat helmet designs of the 20th century, and the overall profile influenced many later designs. As a whole, the Nazis were early pioneers in the field of general-issue camouflage, but, except for their fabric work, this was ad-hoc improvisation by soldiers in the field using whatever material was at hand, typically paint intended to re-spray motor vehicles to match the environment. This one has been sprayed over with a green base coat and patches and streaks of tan and brown, with rough traces of dirt for texture. Though not documented, this method and pattern was known to be in use with the defenders of the Normandy region, and many fell into Allied hands in the aftermath of Operation Neptune. On the interior, "E.E.66" is stamped in the left side of the skirt, "31270" in the rear, and a faint round stamp on the webbing.