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Advice on collecting SS helmets?
So guys, I had a question for all of you SS helmet enthusiasts. I was wondering where are good places to buy ss helmets from and some tips on that as well. I know Kelly Hicks is a great person to get helmets from. I also saw alot on Oakleafmilitaria.com but I dont know if theyre reliable or not. Their helmets look fine to me but Im not an expert like SSamir or DougB. So any tips on collecting ss helmets would be great! Thanks for any replies. Also Im getting a job during the summer and hopefully I can make at least 1000 (no where near the value of an ss helmet but its a start). 
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03-12-2015 04:55 AM
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All I can suggest is to invest in Kelly Hicks' book and thoroughly read the threads on ss helmets here. If you do find one then make sure you post it up here for appraisal before you part with any cash. I think you'll need a bit more than $1000 though, maybe you could get a relic ss helmet but still post it up here first. Good luck mate!
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Hi Will,
No expert here but thanks for the compliment!
I've come along way with SS helmets, but I can still get "caught" out there--anyone can. You can have a dishonest seller using authentic pics. You can have a reputable dealer with a legit helmet, but with a high-end fake decal--the possibility of getting burnt is still there. It can still happen, you can still get "caught".
But with knowledge, it can reduce your chances of getting burnt. Get familiar with the decals. Know the types/makers. Get to know the correlation between decal/helmet, age, and so fourth. It takes time but eventually you start getting an idea what to look for.
Post on the forum before you buy. There's nothing like a ton of eyes and a bunch of peoples opinions, not just from the SS guys, but long time collectors. The SS guys will most likely focus on the decal (like me) but other collectors will investigate the rest of the helmet, something we may over look, like pins, liner systems, etc. Very important--post before you buy!
It's actually fun. I made lots of mistakes in the beginning but I eventually learned a lot of stuff, as a matter of fact, i'm still learning! There's no end in learning the decals, even the advanced SS collectors are still learning. No end to learning, especially with SS helmets. At the end of the day, it's all fun! (as long as you don't get "caught out there"). =)
Samir
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Thanks Sandgroper, SSamir and DougB for the advice!
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'I do not think we can hope for any better thing now.
We shall stick it out to the end, but we are getting weaker of course, and the end cannot be far.
It seems a pity, but I do not think I can write more. R. SCOTT.
Last Entry - For God's sake look after our people.'
In memory of Capt. Robert Falcon Scott, Edward Wilson, Henry Bowers, Lawrence Oates and Edgar Evans. South Pole Expedition, 30th March 1912.
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by
DougB
This advice comes at no cost from the person I deem to be the SS helmet collector par excellence, and who has done an extraordinary amount to share his systematized knowledge with us. I also have great respect for Kelly Hicks as well, who is seen on this site once and a while.
I wish I had such advice thirty years ago when I was very deeply hosed with a stinky heap of freshly made SS helmets.
Please forgive me if I have gored an ox as concerns expertise, in which I am not an expert at all other than to know that some SS helmets are black and some are green grey.
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Thanks gents. Kelly and I are close collecting friends, it's enjoyable to speak SS helmets with him and other aficionados like Samir, and share what I can when I can with the other hobbyists and collectors alike on forums such as this one.
Will, your hunt is fairly safe so long as you heed common sense advice and don't rush in, many stand by ready and willing to assist, post before you buy and good luck on your hunt and potential future aquisition(s).
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