Original WWII Italian “Aerofonista” Ear Cut Out Radio Operator’s M33 Helmet with Fake Camouflage Paint & Stencil - Liner & Reproduction Chinstrap

Original Item: Only One Available. The M33 Helmet (Elmetto Mod. 33 in Italian) is a steel combat helmet designed in the 1930s in Italy, and was the standard combat helmet of the Regio Esercito up to World War II, and of the Esercito Italiano well into the Cold War. Designed by Nicola Leszl for the Mussolini Government, these have become extremely hard to find on the collectors market today, especially WWII examples that have not been refurbished.

This is a very scarce talker “Aerofonista” variation, often referred to as the “Radio Operator” helmet. Despite the name, aerophone operators wore canvas helmets, so these were primarily used by artillery shooting directors and naval artillery personnel.

This example has been entirely repainted post-war with a camouflage scheme and a fake light artillery stencil, with someone applying fake age to the shell. This will serve well as a representative example for someone’s collection.

The interior has a name and unit painted along the rear rim, reading CPT. SALVI 3D BATT., and this is likely added as well.

The original liner is retained, but someone has added a fake four-mount chinstrap for display, and the reproduction looks pretty good on the helmet. The liner is in fair condition with some heavy tearing and other damage. The rear brim is stamped P5.

A good refurbished example of a very rare helmet, ready for further research and display.