Not a simple question to answer typically. It takes much time and study to build the skills necessary. Hands on experience is key as well. The forum is full of good reference materials to study. We also have a reference library with examples of books that should be in any serious collectors homes. That said, some of them are out of print and expensive in the 2nd hand market.
Third Reich Steel Helmets (ALL categories, HEER, SS, LUFT, KM)
Lastly, here is a good website that proves much information in a concise format.
German Helmet Vault – Collecting German WW2 helmets
Start by focusing on studying originals. There will always be new fakes out there.
"Please", Thank You" and proper manners appreciated
My greatest fear is that one day I will die and my wife will sell my guns for what I told her I paid for them
"Don't tell me these are investments if you never intend to sell anything" (Quote: Wife)
The eagle decal is what I term 'the easy fake' , it's wrong in so many ways that a comparison with a real one should give fast results.
Practically all features are wrong , claws , eyebrow... print.
14 years of Fake decals – Luftwaffe – German Helmet Vault
The books in the library here I have ordered a lot of, a lot. One came in today "German Helmets 1939-1945 A collectors guide" and I am already over half way through it. The two most expensive ones I have researched and they seem the most detailed and 20 years out of print. Hope to be able to purchase them in a couple months. They are very very expensive, but seem necessary.
Very good choice buying Ken N's first book. I would recommend getting his Decals book. Those two are of recent vintage with good photos. From there, you can then decide what else to get.
Jan Melands book was just release a few months ago. It's affordable and very good as well. I recommend it.
"Please", Thank You" and proper manners appreciated
My greatest fear is that one day I will die and my wife will sell my guns for what I told her I paid for them
"Don't tell me these are investments if you never intend to sell anything" (Quote: Wife)
The decals book is on my list but lordy lordy is it expensive.
I'll look up Melands book right now. Is it "GERMAN WORLD WAR II HELMETS & HEADGEAR NORWEGIAN COLLECTIONS"?
"Please", Thank You" and proper manners appreciated
My greatest fear is that one day I will die and my wife will sell my guns for what I told her I paid for them
"Don't tell me these are investments if you never intend to sell anything" (Quote: Wife)
It's all been said in this thread already - but yes, the 'easy' fake. You can tell immediately with this one.
Credit to GHV website for making this information accessible and educating us here.
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