Italian M33 Helmet Pick-Up...

[bigmacglenn]

Good Morning, Friends...
I managed to score this Italian M33 yesterday for $20...I remember in the 1980s when these could be had for under $10 and still went unsold -Nobody wanted them!...But it's become clear to me that those days are long gone and it's not so easy to find them anymore - let alone at a good price...-I should have kept the one I bought as a teenager for $7.00, lol...
This example was used in the Spanish Civil War, and although it's obviously seen better days - It's complete, will clean up nicely and look good displayed next to my Stahlhelm...

cheers, Glenn

[Rakkasan187]

Glen,

This is a great looking helmet, regardless of the condition.. The patina on this makes it "sing".. I am Sicilian on my mothers side and must admit that I have never thought of collecting Italian militaria, but you have peaked my interests..

Smitty

[rra227]

Nice helmet for a great price.
Rakasan187,Good luck in collecting Italian stuff. Rich A. in Pa.

[paulp4180]

Excellent pick up Glenn, looking for one, that's reasonably priced, myself.

[real steel]

Italian M33 in their original WW2 pre-1945 configuration have become most popular among helmet collectors. I myself laid out quite a lot to obtain one recently.
Used to laugh & ignore them...finding them undesirable. Not anymore.
Anyway...good for you Glenn. Nice used one that looks complete
Nice job on the photography too. I enlarged the liner pics & really cool to look at. Please don't clean it up...looks so nice like this IMO !!

[bigmacglenn]

Exactly!! - Nobody wanted them!!...I remember a seller at the Louisville, KY Ramada Inn Militaria Show back in 1981-82, he had at least 30 of them stacked up for $7.00 a piece and they weren't selling...It's interesting to look back and see how the Militaria-Collecting Hobby has developed its own Trends and Dynamics with the passing years....Same goes for the humble "Tinnies" which have undergone the same change...First they were silly-cheap and at the bottom on the desirability scale, but look at some of the prices now - An entirely different ballgame....And US Helmets as well...
cheers, Glenn

[real steel]

The US M1 helmets took a "nose dive" recently. About 6-7 years ago they peaked. Last couple of years they are on a decline. "Supply & Demand" & of course demographics.

[bigmacglenn]

The US M1 helmets took a "nose dive" recently. About 6-7 years ago they peaked. Last couple of years they are on a decline. "Supply & Demand" & of course demographics.

Next on my List are a US WWI Brodie and a WWI French Adrian...I enjoy the thrill of the hunt, lol...
Thanks to All for your Friendly Input - much appreciated, Friends...
cheers, Glenn

[visor]

I really like this one Glenn, awesome patina........well done sir!

[OldSteel]

A nice helmet Glenn, certainly very worn, but with great character and with all the original components.

Regards
Roberto