I found this helmet many years ago at a yard sale, in the condition you see it in now. Now, I’m thinking about restoring it but, before I do, I would like to confirm that the black paint on it was not put on in military service. I expect it was added post-war by somebody trying to make the helmet look "cool" but, as I’m not 100% sure about this, I’m hoping the specialists on this board might offer their opinion. If the black paint is a genuine part of the helmet’s military history, I’d hate to strip it off.

Anyway, here it is:

Thanks!

Click to enlarge the picture