M18 SD Heer...so sad.

[MD Helmets]

Somehow I seem to find and temporarily adopt abused helmets. Here is an M18 SD Heer picked up last month. The outer liner band is present with tight split pins, but the inner band is missing. Size on band is 64nA/58. Band year unknown. Maker mark is peeking through the repaint, showing ET64 R. Now for the really sad part, someone (not me!) decided to use it for target practice and put five bullets through the dome (look like holes from a .22 caliber.) This would have been such a nice helmet with a great decal, even without the liner, had someone not added a few extra vent holes. This one will be going up in the Classifieds in the next few days. Enjoy, and I have tissues should anyone need one.

[SteveR]

That is a shame.
It is still a nice transitional late war reissue.

[Walkwolf]

The holes look like they were made by two different sized drill bits.........

[MD Helmets]

The holes look like they were made by two different sized drill bits.........

I can see what you are saying, but the metal has been pushed out the way a bullet punching its way through would do. And I doubt a drill bit would remove as much paint from around the hole as is present here.

[uh60]

Looks like someone put drain holes in it to make a hanging flower pot?? I think it could be repaired to look descent.

[Walkwolf]

I can see what you are saying, but the metal has been pushed out the way a bullet punching its way through would do. And I doubt a drill bit would remove as much paint from around the hole as is present here.

The holes are too much alike - and all at a 90 degree angle off the crown.
Drill bits do make the exact same burrs. Also, there are grind marks
from an electric sanding wheel or grinder around each of the holes.
This is what has removed the paint, IMO.

Someone could weld up the holes, retouch the paint and bring it
back with out too much trouble.........

[MD Helmets]

The holes are too much alike - and all at a 90 degree angle off the crown.
Drill bits do make the exact same burrs. Also, there are grind marks
from an electric sanding wheel or grinder around each of the holes.
This is what has removed the paint, IMO.

Someone could weld up the holes, retouch the paint and bring it
back with out too much trouble.........

I can certainly respect that theory. I guess I just find it weird that someone would take a drill to a helmet. I can find it more believable that someone in their back yard would take a rifle and see just how strong a German helmet is. I suppose it doesn't really matter at this point the damage is done. I do know I don't have the skill to repair those holes and I don't wish to try on an M18, lol, but maybe the next owner will.

[Walkwolf]

As kids, we used to whack each other with a baseball bat to see just how much
protection an 'army helmet' would provide. I think it damaged my spine
as well as my skull.........!

[AMTG]

I'd love it in my collection, holes or not.....I don't think they detract from the overall look of the helmet......it's a good one!!!!

[reneblacky]

As kids, we used to whack each other with a baseball bat to see just how much
protection an 'army helmet' would provide. I think it damaged my spine
as well as my skull.........!

Hahaha we did that too but with a cricket bat!!!!