Pictures will come later.
This is what I know so far. My friends grandfather served in the U.S. Army in Europe and picked up this helmet and brought it home with him. After doing a little research, i"m thinking this helmet was worn by an SS soldier. Now, what is interesting about this helmet is that after the war, it was supposedly given to my friends cousin. He was a biker, and decided to use this said helmet as his own while riding. So he committed the unthinkable to this helmet....
HE PAINTED IT GOLD!!!!! The entire outside was painted a very glossy gold. He didn't touch the inside (thank god).
Me and my friend stayed after and with help of 2 of my tech teachers, were able to sand off most of the gold paint. Now, what I need help doing from here is how to continue. We have decided we want to re-due it. I need someone with some skills in researching to help me further identify this helmet and be able to tell me what color it was potentially painted.
On the inside of the helmet, to the left, there is a number... "9913" which is imprinted into the metal. I would guess this is some sort of production number but i am not sure. In the back there is a number "2", also imprinted into the helmet. I"m not exactly sure what that could mean but thats why i brought it here.
We think it is the "M35" style helmet, although we are not 100% sure, so if someone could confirm for us, that would be great.
Also, some sort of black stamp is in the inside, although it is to faded to be able to make out.
Thanks in advance!