Italy, Kingdom. An M33 Steel Helmet, Owner-Attributed, with Net

A very well-preserved Italian M33 helmet, constructed of a magnetic molybdenum steel shell which retains much of its original wartime dark green paint. Three rivets are distributed around the outer circumference, securing the interior fixtures in place, with hollow channels to provide ventilation. Wrapped around the helmet is an original slate-grey cotton net, providing camouflage and facilitating the addition of vegetation to blend into surroundings in the field. Four wooden dowels secure the net to the interior, passing over an uncrimped rim. The interior is surrounded by a metal ring, affixed to the shell with butterfly clips emanating from the shell rivets, which retains a mostly intact brown leather liner. The latter culminates in eight fingers, each perforated with two sets of five ventilation eyelets. Two magnetic metal loops affixed to the ring accommodate an original grey leather chinstrap, perforated with eyelets which fit through a functional metal buckle for a fully adjustable fit. The liner bears a handwritten rank of “SERG. MAGG.” (“SERGENTE MAGGIORE”), followed by a partially-legible owner’s name possibly reading “DEL VECCHIO”. The liner is also perforated with a size mark of “57”, while the reverse of the shell skirt bears a code of “B92”. It measures approximately 22.5 cm (w) x 26 cm (h) x 14.5 cm (h). Moderate loss of paint is visible to the shell, resulting in minor surface oxidation, the liner demonstrates soiling and slight fatigue consistent with wartime use, and the net shows evidence of postwar addition consistent with continued use by Italian forces into the early Cold War. A superb example demonstrating field use in better than very fine condition.