Polizei Stahlhem for opinions please

[Watchdog]

Good morning gents,

I need some opinion from members better versed in these than myself.

I am not a helmet collector but do take an interest in all things in the hobby and I have long wanted to add one of these as "background" as it were to my Third Reich badges and medals.

I have considered the helmet pictured here but though I have an opinion I am just in need of some advanced knowledge from helmet specialists.

These are the dealers pics but I don't know much about him so I can't make a judgement as to reliability.

The price is about right for such a helmet but I have reservations.

All opinion / advice is much appreciated.

Regards

Mark

[UK Cousin]

I'm curious too.. Bumpity bump

[helmet2id]

Looks like a good M40 Quist

[UK Cousin]

I had to bump this one up. I'm still studying decals and have formed my own opinion.

[Watchdog]

Thanks for the replies so far gents.

Perhaps I should say more about my reservations.

As far as I can see from the pics the helmet itself does indeed look perfectly good.

The chinstrap is well, a chinstrap and as we all know there are many fakes / repro items about. Impossible to tell from these images I think but not in itself a deal breaker. The dealer indicates it is original but as I say for my part it's not the end of the world if it isn't.

My main concern is that not being a helmet "specialist" I am not sure of the decals which again, we all know these are very extensively faked. In this case given that I am not expert enough to pronounce with certainty on the decals themselves I am thinking that the condition of the decals does not match the patina and wear of the helmet itself.

The dealer does offer return and refund but I would rather have better opinion than my own before going to such bother.

I know we have members here who concern themselves almost exclusively with TR helmets and some with Polizei pieces in particular so please have a look gents. Any reservations or otherwise will help a lot.

Regards

Mark

[slados28]

I don't really see any wear at all to the exterior of this helmet, except for a slight scrape or a storage smudge here and there. So although the decals appear close to completely unscathed so does the outer shell itself, by and large invalidating that kind of wear imbalance argument (as I see it). Also, bear in mind that you have already gotten at least one very qualified opinion seemingly attesting to this one being all OK --- just wanted to point that out.

My guess would be unissued, looks kind of like it has signs of helmet stacking to the exterior --- not sure if that liner belongs in there though, looks kind of out of place and and it has that "saggy" appearance --- but, then again, maybe there are other explanations for its appearance. The photos aren't really any good at all, except for maybe clear enough decal shots.. albeit poorly lit/shot with flash.

[Watchdog]

I don't really see any wear at all to the exterior of this helmet, except for a slight scrape or a storage smudge here and there. So although the decals appear close to completely unscathed so does the outer shell itself, by and large invalidating that kind of wear imbalance argument (as I see it). Also, bear in mind that you have already gotten at least one very qualified opinion seemingly attesting to this one being all OK --- just wanted to point that out.

Thanks for the reply and I see what you mean about the finish taking into account the poor quality of the imagery.

Of course I do not doubt the opinion given by Jim G but as you will appreciate, being a little outside ones "comfort zone" it is prudent to ask and being able to do so here is one of the advantages of membership. When unsure about a moderately expensive item a 2nd opinion is great and more opinion is even better. So, now I have two positive opinions to aid my deliberations.

If I secure this helmet I will of course take some better images and show them here.

In the meantime if anyone else has any thoughts "the more the merrier".

Regards

Mark

[slados28]

Of course, the more the merrier --- I agree. If I recall correctly this one's been on that site for quite some time and, going by my own judgement, I feel it's overpriced for what it is. Nice decals and exterior, yes --- but not so keen on liner appearance etc. in relation to the rest. I much prefer used examples with a more cohesive look (a natural looking relation between leather, paint and steel). Of course, it's all matter of personal taste --- good luck!

[Watchdog]

Yes, I agree. I am just looking for the right example of what will likely be the only one in my collection! I haven't seen that dealer site before but somehow had a feeling the lid might have been there a while. Usually when I see one that might suit me it is already sold!

Thanks for your input

Regards

Mark

[FALLSCHIRMJAGER]

Hi Mark, I cannot see any issues with this helmet personally, looks like a nice combat police M40. The liners a little dry and flaking a touch, but stored/displayed correctly it should be fine. Maybe the original owner was a "desk jockey" so the helmet saw little use. Leon.