My new army double decal helmet..

[HoundsTooth]

It looks like the decals have suffered from sanding down the exterior paint.
From a price comparison, here in the UK I purchased a Luftwaffe M35 double decal for £675 - although not in 'pristine' condition, I felt the decals looked better:
M35 DD Luftwaffe Helmet

nick

[real steel]

Define "Well Used". Wartime or post war ?

I know a lot of guys prefer used, battle worn helmets over "Minty closet Queens". That's fine & understandable
However....the hard part & sometimes impossible issue is "How much of a helmet in used, worn condition is wartime use or post war abuse" ? I am pretty sure this helmet did not look like this in 1945 or whenever it was captured. Patience & experience come into play when determining if a helmet has been on childrens heads in a backyard in 1965 playing "Combat" or was actually brought home in its' current condition.

When I see liberated decals, treated liners, torn liner fingers, reddish rust, I walk away. These are all symptoms of post war abuse, not so much neglect. Neglect is one that's been improperly stored & untouched for 75 years such as a basement or attic or barn. With experience, one can tell the difference between the two most of the time.

I would pass on this.

[BlackCat1982]

To me those decals look very similar to known copies that are still sold.

[oldthings]

Here is an example, a better buy in my opinion.

Terry

DD ARMY M35 HELMET | Collector to Collector Militaria

hi thanks for that. i see what you are saying and yes i have to agree with you all.there will be a better buy.the one on collector to collector is a nice one..just had a good look at it i think i will email them about that one..

[oldthings]

Define "Well Used". Wartime or post war ?

I know a lot of guys prefer used, battle worn helmets over "Minty closet Queens". That's fine & understandable
However....the hard part & sometimes impossible issue is "How much of a helmet in used, worn condition is wartime use or post war abuse" ? I am pretty sure this helmet did not look like this in 1945 or whenever it was captured. Patience & experience come into play when determining if a helmet has been on childrens heads in a backyard in 1965 playing "Combat" or was actually brought home in its' current condition.

When I see liberated decals, treated liners, torn liner fingers, reddish rust, I walk away. These are all symptoms of post war abuse, not so much neglect. Neglect is one that's been improperly stored & untouched for 75 years such as a basement or attic or barn. With experience, one can tell the difference between the two most of the time.

I would pass on this.

yep i think i will keep looking its good i did not pay for it yet.i will email him and say sorry but a no go on this one.

[oldthings]

It looks like the decals have suffered from sanding down the exterior paint.
From a price comparison, here in the UK I purchased a Luftwaffe M35 double decal for £675 - although not in 'pristine' condition, I felt the decals looked better:
M35 DD Luftwaffe Helmet

nick

Yes i was thinking that the decals look like thay have had sanding done on them that is the one big thing that was puting me off it...