**Rare***WW2 French 'Battle For France' M35 Tank Helmet

Probably one of the rarest WW2 French helmets this the M35 Armoured Vehicle helmet with rare tank branch of service badge to front.
This helmet was much worn during the 1940 Battle For France as her troops attempted to fight off the German invasion. This is the first model of M35 tank helmet with fawn leather lining later replaced by a darker brown with the improved M37 version. Factory painted in khaki as per the new 1935 uniform colour it has an earlier originating M19 tank badge to front of the 'long necked' style. Traces of the earlier blue paint can be seen under its khaki overpaint this indicating its early manufacture & reissue at a later date. The badge is 100% wartime original to the helmet. On examination of the shells interior the maker name 'MAMOU' & date 1936 can be seen stamped in black ink to the dome along with the shell size. Leather very supple with only light service wear to shell , a couple of small dents are apparent but overall very good.
Very hard to find original French tank crewmans helmets from this period this only the second I have ever handled.

Code: 14631