This is perhaps the most exceptional helmet we've ever offered - an original D-Day Army Engineer Special Brigade NCO, with vesicant gas-detecting camouflage paint and matching liner. The wartime painted markings have been authenticated with the assistance of advanced digital microscopy. The paint's micro cracking, which most forgers have yet to correctly replicate, is readily apparent under magnification. The veteran, likely in an attempt to make his helmet less conspicuous after the invasion, scraped away the steel shell's bright blue and yellow markings. Its interior was painted with the same paint that was used to apply the ESB emblems, which has obscured the heat stamp. Judging by the standard McCord fixed loops and earlier chinstrap hardware, it likely dates from mid-1942 to early-1943. Marked on both the interior of the shell and the Firestone liner is the original owner's laundry number of C-9520, showcasing their long history together as a set. Unfortunately, without access to the ESB's official roster, we aren't able to cross reference the laundry number at this time, however there remains a substantial research opportunity for its new owner. To assist in that research, the helmet was originally sourced in Buffalo, New York. In addition to the hand-painted markings and vesicant camouflage, the helmet retains its original olive drab factory finish, cork texture, and brass-buckled khaki chinstraps. The matching liner's green-painted steel A-washers date its production from mid-1943 to mid-1944. The liner's suspension is strong and intact. It comes complete with its original headband, neckband, and green-buckled leather liner strap - all of which show consistent wear.