M42 relic - with twin SS-runes.

[Replace]

Hi,

I have this M42 SS-helmet with twin SS-runes.
...bought this helmet 7-8 years ago from a great-collector in UK - it was in his personal collection.

It was himself that dug it up at Ilmen-lake in Russia in 1997.
The decals where visible already in the ground.

Correct me if I am wrong.
Some units in the Germania division used these helmets with twin SS-runes - such as, norwegian, finnish, ukrainian, dutch.
Also 13. Waffen-Gebirgs-Division der SS "handschar" (Croatian nr.1) have used these helmets, and units of SS-Landstorm Nederland.

What do you think of this helmet?

Regards
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[Paul D]

Germania was a Regiment of the Wiking Divison who never fought around Lake Ilmen , but helmets with a runic decal on the left side were worn by Foreign volunteer units of the Waffen SS and certain other documented units of the SS in particular the LAH.

A Double runic decalled helmet in any format is very rare but on a configuration on an M42 Helmet it is very unusual , have you any photos of this one actually coming out of the ground ??

One thing that does concern me is that both runic decals are in a very similar condition which for a combat helmet which has also been underground is strange and both declas exhibit areas around them where some cleaning or preparation has taken place !!

[don_kihotis7]

Indeed Paul you are right. The fact that both decals are in the exact same condition is suspicious.

[GIZMO8Z]

Based on how worn and pitted the helmet is as a whole, I'd expect the decals to be nothing more than white smudges... if visible at all!

[Replace]

I do not have pictures of this helmet coming out of the ground - sorry!

Yes, M42 helmet with double SS decals is unusual, but I have seen others.
...also on this forum, I believe.

When I have had the helmet 2-3 years I tried to clean it some more.
...trying to get the bits of paint still present, more clear.
During that I also had focus on the decals - trying to get them as clear as posible.
This could have caused that the areas around the decals seems more clean than the rest of the helmet.

At the same time I contacted seller again - he insisted that decals was present in the ground and original.
It was not something he took lightly, he used quit some time on this case.

Hope you understand my english - I am from Denmark.

Regards
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[KradSpam]

The one on the left ought to absolutely be a Pocher, and it does not look to be. They also look to be applied over pitting on the shell. It wouldn't be one for me I'm afraid mate.

[DougB]

Sorry my friend, those decals are reproductions and have been sanded and applied overtop the pitting. Send her back if you can.

[Paul D]

Your English is fine !! I would be very interested as to who the great UK Collector is ?

For an Englsih guy to be digging around Lake Ilmen in 1997 would also be very unusual , i'm afraid it looks like he has sold you a duffer with a nice story to go with it !!

[SSamir]

I agree 100%, both decals are reproductions.

One thing I learned, buy the helmet first, then the story!

Samir

[cricketchris1944]

I agree with Samir.
chris