Italy, Kingdom. An Alpini M33 Steel Helmet, c. 1936 Issue

An extremely well-preserved Italian Alpini M33 steel helmet, constructed of a magnetic steel shell which retains most of its original olive-drab paint. The peak of the helmet bears a stenciled Army insignia, applied in black paint and remaining fully intact. Distributed around the exterior of the shell are three hollow rivets, facilitating both ventilation and the interior features. Additionally, there is a single integrated slot on the left of the helmet for the insertion of ceremonial insignia. The interior retains an original grey leather liner, secured in place by flattened metal plates affixed to the aforementioned rivets. The liner bears eight fingers, each perforated with five ventilation holes, with additional holes at the top through which is looped a period original drawstring. Additional sets of five ventilation holes are stamped at the bottom of each finger. Magnetic metal loops flank each side of the interior and retain an original grey leather chinstrap, itself adjusted with a functional magnetic metal buckle and dual leather loops. A size mark of “56” is stamped onto the right of the liner, with an additional illegible handwritten inscription which appears to be an owner’s name. The helmet measures 220 mm (w) x 260 mm (l) x 140 mm (h). Minor scratching is evident to the shell, and there is age-appropriate material fatigue of the leather elements. The helmet is in an overall near extremely fine condition.