SS Helmet (Genuine or Fake?)... Any info appreciated... Thanks!

**insaltwater** · 12-11-2018, 09:24 AM

Any help appreciated. Picked this up for $50 and no idea around authenticity. Thanks.

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 12-11-2018 09:24 AM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**FALLSCHIRMJAGER** · 12-11-2018, 09:41 AM

Hi, sorry to say, but those are not original SS decals by ET ( or any other maker for that ). As for the helmet itself, i will leave that to others as i only ever really look at M35/M40 or M42's. Leon.

**insaltwater** · 12-11-2018, 10:01 AM

Thanks for the response. I thought the decals looked a bit off. Interested to know more about the helmet as it is in good shape. M16 I believe but would be good to know if this this is a good example.

**paulscoot** · 12-11-2018, 10:21 AM

Shame about the decals but an absolute steal at $50 ! regards Paul

**insaltwater** · 12-11-2018, 10:24 AM

Thanks Paul. I bought a box of bric a brac and this was in the bottom of the box. No idea on value either....

**FALLSCHIRMJAGER** · 12-11-2018, 10:27 AM

by insaltwater

Thanks for the response. I thought the decals looked a bit off. Interested to know more about the helmet as it is in good shape. M16 I believe but would be good to know if this this is a good example.

I am pretty sure the helmet itself is a good one, just not my area those WW1 lids! The decals may "steam off" if your lucky leaving no trace. Leon.

**AndyM35** · 12-11-2018, 10:57 AM

Hi there, only M16's had a leather liner band. After 16 the m17/18 utilised a steel liner band while in service during WW1. The non-stepped air vent lugs for the brow plate indicate that this is a size 66 or 68 shell. This is confirmed by the size stamp just inside the shell in the first photo making this a 66. Not sure about the maker but the B might indicate Bell (hoping others can confirm).

The original green paint in showing under the edges of the pins indicating that this may be relevantly recent (i.e. post 1950 re-paint. However, the paint does look old and shows patina though and this I find quite intriguing.

Overall a messed with but interesting helmet. Looking forward to seeing what others have to say.

**HoundsTooth** · 12-11-2018, 11:14 AM

Your decal and an ET for comparison.
Possibly the decal could be removed (carefully)?

Nick

**AndyM35** · 12-11-2018, 11:24 AM

Looking at the bottom right of the runic shield it almost appears that there was/is another decal underneath the fake or perhaps that is just residue from when it was slid into position.

**insaltwater** · 12-11-2018, 11:24 AM

Thanks guys, pretty obvious difference now I look at those decals. Not sure how I would go about removing them without wrecking the paint underneath. Looking at the helmet, I actually don't see any green paint, that might just be the photo. Is it worth keeping as a reasonable example or should I sell it on? Thanks.