Mercedes-Benz Feuerwehr helmet- fake?

[ToxicGas]

Here's a helmet I'm interested in a verdict on- I'm sceptical about the Mercedes logo on what I presume is an otherwise good helmet. Quick research shows that people sell stencils for this, which I'm guessing this is a product of, but I have no idea if it could be good or not- or if these were even ever stencilled like this. If they were, is it even possible to differentiate between original and contemporary addition?

I look forward to hearing any input on this one. Apologies for the not-so-great photos, I unfortunately rushed while taking them. Hopefully someone can tell either way from what you can see here anyway.

Thanks, Mat

[harryamb2]

it is what it is.

[Danmark]

I would be cautious about the more well known firms ( Heinkel, Messerschmitt etc... ) but some of the ones that turn up have the most obscure companies on them......? I have an ARADO logo'd helmet that divides opinion too - but a close examination does not indicate the stencil was added in recent times.......

I think because period photos are not forthcoming, people err of the side of 'not original'

Dan

[timothy]

The whole thing looks wartime to me a lot of those companies as stated had their own fire fighting services and I'd say the bigger the company the more they had. Looks fine to me IMO. timothy

[radidas]

Looks like a nice original helmet but would be sceptical of the stencil as it exactly matches the ones available on ebay.

Chris

[Gunny Hartmann]

Looks like a nice original helmet but would be sceptical of the stencil as it exactly matches the ones available on ebay.

Chris

Original helmet "sexed up" with a stencil, i'd give it a miss!....

[Mark K]

I agree with Gunny and Radidas on this one it might be an original helmet but there are so many of these stencils and examples of these stenciled helmets floating around I would want some pretty solid providence and or a very thorough hands on examination before I purchased it.

Regards Mark K

[DougB]

These industrial and commercial helmets I'd avoid without 100% proof positive provenance. Anything like this from auction sites is a no for me.

[Scout]

Looks like a nice original helmet but would be sceptical of the stencil as it exactly matches the ones available on ebay.

Chris

This.

[cammobunker]

Somebody ruined a nice helmet doing that!