Relic FJ M 38 helmet

[Espenlaub Militaria]

hello,
The question is to the specialists and experts who understand something in dug up helmets. The question is not about originality of the shell or leather parts (all is 100% original), but about untouched condition of this example. In other words about possibility of originality of the leather liner and chinstrap to the shell.
I sold this helmet 6 months ago, and now the customer claimed that the helmet's liner and chinstrap are not originally from this helmet. His arguments are that a such good condition liner can not remain on a oxidate liner's alu ring, due of that, he feel the leather liner was placed later.
My own opinion is that a helmet is in untouched as found. I have seen dozens rusted helmets with perfectly remain of leather. That is usual situation when on rusty dug up helmet you can see excellent remained leather. Who dug up a lot of helmets from clay ground will understand me. The metal parts of the FJ helmets are usually rusted, due the sponge like rubber part of the liner get always wet. Please give your honest opinions. Thanks in advance!

[Gary J]

Well,
Another thread that has appeared in the last few days also shows what I would call a "dry stored" relic helmet.

Relic Market Garden British Para Helmet

Note the similar "wear and tear" ..

Gary J.

[Dimas]

I've inspected this helmet by myself. It's a honest untouched example

[Gunny Hartmann]

Makes a change to see a real one!....

[Glenn66]

I would love that in my relic helmet collection. If the buyer is so unhappy with it, I will gladly make him an offer.

[allan]

Anymore of these for sale, let me know, i would be happy with that one
Regards

[Adrian Stevenson]

Nothing wrong with it.

Cheers, Ade.

[Jerry B]

Whilst not experienced with digging helmets, as an archaeologist I am used to digging composite artifacts and it all depends on the burial environment and in the "right" conditions organic materials such as leather will survive in an unusual condition, such as an anaerobic environment such as waterlogging or sealed within clay, while normally organic material does not survive unless charred for instance. Soil ph is another factor and different materials are affected by it, with high acid environments being particularly damaging to organics.

I see no reason to doubt the helmet and the leather work being found together.

[Paul D]

I have seen this Helmet in person and also many others dug up in similar conditions where the Metal of the helmet and the leather liner are like this one , i don't have a problem and would be happy if it were in my collection !

[harryamb2]

looks ok to me.