M42 German helmet

[Giants77]

Hey guys! So this helmet is for sale for 350 usd. I’m not interested in it because I’ve started to try and learn a few things from you guys. The paint on the helmet seems not original as it’s glossy and the rivets seem very weird to me. Also the liner isn’t the correct type for it being a M42 at least I think. The decal seems to be a reproduction as well. How did I do in diagnosing this helmet? Was I decent at looking it over, are there things that I missed.? Any other advice for when looking at helmets. Any criticism is welcomed and thanked.

[MAP]

It is a fake Chinese copy.

You did very very well! Good job.

- The shell is not original. Rivets are obvious give aways. You can spot these a mile away
- Paint? Yes glossy but also the totally wrong color
- Liner? Yes, not close to an original
- Chinstrap? Fake as well for many reasons.
- And last but not least, while I only see one decal, an M42 should never have the National Shield. It goes without saying it is a repro even though you can hardly see it

[Giants77]

Very interesting thank you! I did not know about the shield not being on the m42. Iam going to have to write that down in my notebook, thank you very much!

[MAP]

The national shield was discontinued with the introduction of the M-40 helmet. Only rare cases do you see National Shields on M-40's and even this is debated.

[Martin C]

Well done! You are already leaps and bounds ahead of the ones who post this type of helmet after they purchase it.



Mart

[MAP]

If you are serious about getting more than one German helmet, I seriously recommend you save some $ up and by both of Ken N's books (I gave you the info in another thread). They will give you a solid foundation quickly followed by what you learn here on the forum as well as your own in hands studying.

[Giants77]

Yes I’m currently looking to purchase the books you told me about I’m still trying to find a better priced one they can be a bit pricy haha.

[MAP]

Yes I’m currently looking to purchase the books you told me about I’m still trying to find a better priced one they can be a bit pricy haha.

Yes. His out of print book is pricy and when available they sell very quickly.

[HoundsTooth]

Michael's (MAP) advice is very good - he told me to buy both of Ken N's books and I did (worth the money).
Also have a look at:
German Helmet Vault – Collecting German WW2 helmets
http://www.german-ww2-helmet.com/

Take your time on this and you will reap the rewards.
Nick

[MAP]

Michael's (MAP) advice is very good - he told me to buy both of Ken N's books and I did (worth the money).
Also have a look at:
German Helmet Vault – Collecting German WW2 helmets
http://www.german-ww2-helmet.com/

Take your time on this and you will reap the rewards.
Nick

Excellent references Nick. I forgot about recommending these sites. Especially Franks as he spends a great deal of time on identifying fakes and updates his blog which you can subscribe to.