Re-decaled relic helmets - what to look out for

[Danmark]

Having been caught twice on these before I have now finally learnt what to watch out for, AND with others also falling foul recently, I thought I would put together a photo collage showing the similar traits exhibited by these relic shells when I believe someone has added decals to an otherwise plain, rusty ground dug helmet, calls it a genuine SS, makes up a background story and then triples or more the asking price.

I know from experience how hard a pill it is to swallow when another forum member declares that your 'prize' is a fake but have a look at the common features when a decal is added to a rusty surface and make up your own minds.

Yes the images are small and unclear ( I believe deliberately so ) and have been cropped down from photos from various sellers on the internet, all portraying these as genuine SS relics. I have not shown the whole helmet as they all look the same - and, when seen in isolation, one can be swayed into belief- BUT, all together like this I believe the patterns are clear for all to see.

1) There is always a "ghostly hue" to the decal and a cleaned area where the decal is exposed.
2) The decal is ALWAYS clearly identifiable and not just scraps of colour
3) Decal remnants are in the rust pits ( you have to look close and these photos are far enough away to not be able to see this )
4) Mostly there is NO remaining paint - but surprise, surprise ( as Gomer Pyle would say ) the decal has survived
5) Even shell damage or corrosion can be seen quite close to the decal, but still, it has survived ......unbelievable! ( yes it is! )

Hope this is of some help for all in discerning good from bad ......
Regards, Dan

[James C]

superb guide dan ,and great referance photographs

[FALLSCHIRMJAGER]

Nice one Dan , and clearly explained what needs to be looked for, well done. Leon.

[KradSpam]

Useful guide mate

[Danmark]

Thanks guys, plain as the nose on your face when they are all lined up like ducks in a row, eh?

I'm now embarrassed that I was taken in so easily a couple of years back ......

[SteveR]

Thanks guys, plain as the nose on your face when they are all lined up like ducks in a row, eh?

I'm now embarrassed that I was taken in so easily a couple of years back ......

Absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about lad. ALL of us get burned at one time or another.

[TheGoon]

I believe I know where most of those helmets are or we're being sold and he wanted good money for them too, everyone gets burned here and there as I have made mistakes too!

[slados28]

Great War Relics - WW I & WWII Artifacts

Your one-stop shop for shitty SS relic fakes

[Danmark]

Great War Relics - WW I & WWII Artifacts

Your one-stop shop for shitty SS relic fakes

Indeed - but there are also ones like these the world over - so keep a watch out!

[DougB]

Plenty of SS faux-relic garbage out there to fill a dump truck. Sadly those who buy often believe.