Authentication help for a WW2 German helmet

[SA81]

Hello all,

Relative beginner here looking to purchase my first Stahlhelm. I have found one with potential and have tried to verify a few of the critical items but wanted to show you what I have and see what you experts think. I've attached several pictures (I can get more) and have loosely concluded the following:
1. M40 Luftwaffe helmet
2. HKP 64Attachment 1642031Attachment 1642032Attachment 1642033Attachment 1642035Attachment 1642029Attachment 1642034
3. Lot 30133
4. Strap looks not to be original but European aftermarket. Not sure about strap bale and other hardware (?)
5. Cannot tell if the liner is authentic (need to smell of course!)
6. No idea if the Luftwaffe decal is original or not (?).

Legit or fake?

Thank you so much everyone!

[Schwerpunkt]

Welcome , the mistake you make which is typical for new collectors is that you work with low quality decal close ups. Close ups that do not zoom in well should be avoided.
The strap is fake , the liner is good. The decal needs a better straight on close up.

[helmet2id]

I don't like the decal. Jim G.

[SA81]

Here's a better close up of the decal... thoughts?

[SA81]

[Schwerpunkt]

The decal is authentic.

[SA81]

Thank you! Do you have a suggestion to find an authentic replacement strap and what I should expect to pay in USD. Thank you so much!

[Schwerpunkt]

Thank you! Do you have a suggestion to find an authentic replacement strap and what I should expect to pay in USD. Thank you so much!

200 usd these days if nicely marked

[Helmcollector]

Please correct me if i am wrong : when I look at the helmet I see 'rust' particles and a layer of paint over it. So this decall wasn't placed in the production plant of the helmet and there should be another decal under it ? Or is it the grainy structure of the paint that I see ?

[MAP]

when I look at the helmet I see 'rust' particles and a layer of paint over it. So the helmet wasn't decalled in the production unit of the helmet ?

The "rust" particles you mention is actually part of the rough textured original paint that was applied at the factory. These "rust" particles are actually aluminum oxide.