South African Helmet

[Spitace41]

Hi all. Just got this South African helmet in a job lot off ebay. When I picked it up I discovered that it has been repainted and you can still see the original desert paintwork inside. It has the original Jager- Rand liner but I am trying to find out if the green paint work is original (it doesnt look it to me) and what it the best and safest way to strip it off without damaging the original paint underneath. Any advice would be welcome.

Cheers.

[tinlid]

Nice original WW2 SA helmet with post war paint on the outside, to strip or not to strip? Sometimes it comes off quite easy other times you wished you had'nt started, up to you.

[Jerry B]

It's part of the helmets history and some might think it is best left as it is. Looks like a tidy paint job and might be an official repaint and reuse.

[Spitace41]

Cheers guys, Its a tricky one. Not sure if I would have the balls to risk stripping on reflection. Under what circumstances would it have been repainted post war?

[aj4010]

These things I believe turn up all around the Mediterranean as re-issues to various countries. Yours has the original South African liner still in there, so to identify the re-issue will be difficult as one can usually identify them by the liner.

Best Regards,

Andy

[Spitace41]

Thanks Andy, I did'nt realise that.

[aussie mick]

Nice SA model,the liner is in good nick too
I like the Neck Flap holes,they look unfinished, ie .not ground down flush with the rim.
Cheers Mick