Advice on LW M35

[cvrwdvr]

I bought the illustrated M35 from a local antique market. It came as a shell with detached liner, and no cotter pins, though I'm pretty sure they're matching, and given the price (£190), and the fact that the shell is named, and liner unit marked, I thought it a good buy.
Anyway, two questions:

Can anybody advise of any avenues for researching the name within the said unit?

Secondly, and I know that this is only a matter of opinion; I have attached the liner to the shell using repro cotter pins. What are peoples' thoughts on fitting genuine cotter pins, albeit not original to the helmet?
On the one hand it could be considered as adding to the authenticity, but on the other it could be considered as 'pimping' up a helmet to look authentic, and possibly to deceive, by presenting it as something it is not. Any opinions out there?

[Adravor]

Mhm, if you are sure the Liner and Shell belong together, i personally would try to find Original Pins with a matching clour and wear, a experienced collector can see that the split pins would be readded and thus bent.

[HetzersGonnaHetz]

Flak

Flak-Regiment 33

That could be your mans unit. 3rd Kompanie, Flak Regiment 33, Battery 13.

[cvrwdvr]

Thanks for the feedback. What I'm really keen to know is whether there is any avenue available for researching records of service, or even just records of names of those serving within the said unit ?

[Schwerpunkt]

Thanks for the feedback. What I'm really keen to know is whether there is any avenue available for researching records of service, or even just records of names of those serving within the said unit ?

There are it will cost more than the helmet , for German records you need a specialised service.

[cvrwdvr]

Hi, schwerpunkt,
Thanks for the response. Are the records held by Bundesarchiv, Koblenz ?
Is it really that expensive to access them ?

[cvrwdvr]

This helmet is pre -war, with a 1937 aluminium liner band. I would imagine that the original cotter pins would have been brass, which were susceptible to shearing. There are some steel cotter pins currently advertised on another forum (WAF), marked IKA 40. Whilst I'm aware that these are too late for the original configuration of my helmet, would it have been likely that the brass cotter pins would have been replaced by later manufacture steel ones , either as standard procedure, or upon the bras ones shearing, i.e, would the above mentioned cotter pins be compatible with my helmet ?

[PotatoDigger]

To be honest, from my own experience working with post war messed with helmets, the brass pins are the most durable.
I've bent many countless times and they have yet to break whereas the steel ones seem to break as soon as you look at them funny.
There are brass ones out there ( I have a few, too that you could have) so if anything I would advise you to get a set of those instead of the steel ones which are too late if the liner is dated 1937.
Luis

[AndyM35]

Nice M35 with some interesting history. I like the dark overpaint contrasting with the lighter original blue in the rear skirt. Can you see what size it is?

Personally, as long as you aren’t looking to resell and if you do make it clear that the pins are not original then I don’t see an issue with adding better pins for display and to hold the liner in.

[Schwerpunkt]

This helmet is pre -war, with a 1937 aluminium liner band. I would imagine that the original cotter pins would have been brass, which were susceptible to shearing. There are some steel cotter pins currently advertised on another forum (WAF), marked IKA 40. Whilst I'm aware that these are too late for the original configuration of my helmet, would it have been likely that the brass cotter pins would have been replaced by later manufacture steel ones , either as standard procedure, or upon the bras ones shearing, i.e, would the above mentioned cotter pins be compatible with my helmet ?

Consider that ones you add pins you will have a messed with helmet , why not display it as found and get another helmet more complete. Helmets are not cars , you can enjoy them without the need to alter appearance.