German helmet chinstrap

[Alexander]

I recently bought this M31 chinstrap and would like your opinion, Gentlemen, on whether it is an original or post war strap. The seller thought it was original but wasn't sure himself. It looks better made than some replicas I've seen for sale elsewhere. I know that many straps from 1944 onwards weren't marked, and I have been told that many modern straps are stamped with a makers mark. I bought it to be fitted to my M40 helmet, and repro or real, it sure looks the part. Thanks for any info.

[Alexander]

The buckle has, what appears to be, traces of light green paint on it.

[SteveR]

As far as I can tell it looks like it has the appropriate age to it.

[CARL]

Hello Alexander,

In my opinion, it does look good.

Another thing to do, although you may already know this, is to smell the chinstrap. Many fakes are dipped in chemicals to age them. The resulting effect is what appears to be a very old piece of leather, but there is usually a very strong chemical smell present.

Regards

Carl

[Alexander]

Thanks for the comments.

Carl, I was aware of the chemical smell some modern straps have after having been treated with chemicals to 'age' the straps. This one doesn't have a strong smell, just a light leather smell.

I have also posted a photo of the strap attached to my Luftwaffe M40.

[CARL]

Looks good. Glad that there is no 'orrible odour!

Regards

Carl

[Walkwolf]

I am unsure of this strap, really, but thinking it is an aged repro. It looks unused,
but the size of the buckle is a bit larger than I'm used to seeing.

The smell test should work. You may detect an odour of the tanning process,
which has a rather 'sweet' smell to it, and could be quite strong.

After 60+ years there should be no odour. I left an unmarked repro,
similar to this outside over the winter. The steel parts rusted up
well and the leather still smelled 'new'............