I just bought this M40.

Crest decal clearly visible, as you can see.

On the other side, where the flag decal would have been, is a very faint, dark shield-shaped area (too faint for the camera to pick up). I would guess that the owner painted it over it to improve camouflage.

My question is, is there any merit in trying to remove the paint to expose the flag decal? If so, how? Or would it be better to leave it well alone? I'm guessing the latter.

Thanks and regards.

The helmet is an M35 and I would certainly leave it as is.

You would cut the value in half if you alter the state of the paint.

It looks like a nice reissue , can you post a shot of the liner ?

Hi - An M35? Looks like I misdiagnosed, thanks for correcting me.

Ref the paint - yep, that's what I thought. I'll leave well alone.

Here's the liner.

Chris

And another

Final

Thanks for the additional photos. Nice reissue , is the eagle decal overpainted or is it just damaged ?

It's more overpainted than damaged.