Jaxon Norris
New member
Post removed, it's been evaluated by camo collectors outside the fourm. Deemed original by local long time collectors. Goodbye 
Last edited:
.
- Thread starter Jaxon Norris
- Start date
John Josef
Well-known member
I think the helmet is and original helmet that was painted after the war. It could have been done anytime from 1918 till last year, they have been painting camo helmets since the War. Even way back in France for soldiers to bring or send home and a whole cottage industry developed around them when farmers found they could make money after their livelihood had been destroyed by war. Plain Stahlhelms were literarily everywhere.
My opinion is its much more recent.
The reason I feel this way is because of the colors and the type of paint used it just doesn't look to be done by Germans during the time of the war.
Another reason I say this is because of the initials painted on the side. On many helmets painted after the war "artist" would leave their signature on their works.
You also have to look closely at the way the paint wears and chips. How would paint from the same period having the same pigments wear? Would it sperate easily and chip off to reveal the original grey color below?
Camo helmets have been a sought-after collectable for over a hundred years, and they have been pumping them out for that long.
Old farts like me who've been collecting for over 50 years will tell ya they used to be hard to find now you can jump on ebay and find 20 or 30 every day of the week. Sadly 99.9% were produced after the war by non-German soldiers and not always with the intent to deceive or help collectors part with hard earned money. Many were painted with much less nefarious intent.
I'm totally fine with anyone who has a differing opinion and even with being wrong, I don't feel I'm the authority on anything I just look at items with the experience I've gained during a lifetime of collecting and handling Militaria and learning and comparing known originals.
Take it for what it's worth about a penny.
I'm still a collector and always hunting and I can tell ya nothing beats having an item in hand in natural light but some you can tell miles away. Just my thoughts.
My opinion is its much more recent.
The reason I feel this way is because of the colors and the type of paint used it just doesn't look to be done by Germans during the time of the war.
Another reason I say this is because of the initials painted on the side. On many helmets painted after the war "artist" would leave their signature on their works.
You also have to look closely at the way the paint wears and chips. How would paint from the same period having the same pigments wear? Would it sperate easily and chip off to reveal the original grey color below?
Camo helmets have been a sought-after collectable for over a hundred years, and they have been pumping them out for that long.
Old farts like me who've been collecting for over 50 years will tell ya they used to be hard to find now you can jump on ebay and find 20 or 30 every day of the week. Sadly 99.9% were produced after the war by non-German soldiers and not always with the intent to deceive or help collectors part with hard earned money. Many were painted with much less nefarious intent.
I'm totally fine with anyone who has a differing opinion and even with being wrong, I don't feel I'm the authority on anything I just look at items with the experience I've gained during a lifetime of collecting and handling Militaria and learning and comparing known originals.
Take it for what it's worth about a penny.
I'm still a collector and always hunting and I can tell ya nothing beats having an item in hand in natural light but some you can tell miles away. Just my thoughts.
Jaxon Norris
New member
I think the helmet is and original helmet that was painted after the war. It could have been done anytime from 1918 till last year, they have been painting camo helmets since the War. Even way back in France for soldiers to bring or send home and a whole cottage industry developed around them when farmers found they could make money after their livelihood had been destroyed by war. Plain Stahlhelms were literarily everywhere.
My opinion is its much more recent.
The reason I feel this way is because of the colors and the type of paint used it just doesn't look to be done by Germans during the time of the war.
Another reason I say this is because of the initials painted on the side. On many helmets painted after the war "artist" would leave their signature on their works.
You also have to look closely at the way the paint wears and chips. How would paint from the same period having the same pigments wear? Would it sperate easily and chip off to reveal the original grey color below?
Camo helmets have been a sought-after collectable for over a hundred years, and they have been pumping them out for that long.
Old farts like me who've been collecting for over 50 years will tell ya they used to be hard to find now you can jump on ebay and find 20 or 30 every day of the week. Sadly 99.9% were produced after the war by non-German soldiers and not always with the intent to deceive or help collectors part with hard earned money. Many were painted with much less nefarious intent.
I'm totally fine with anyone who has a differing opinion and even with being wrong, I don't feel I'm the authority on anything I just look at items with the experience I've gained during a lifetime of collecting and handling Militaria and learning and comparing known originals.
Take it for what it's worth about a penny.
Jaxon Norris
New member
I still firmly believe it's original german done, I've had it looked at by a few knowledgeable first world war german helmet collectors, and many more agreeing it's real. And the man I bought it from telling me how it got here. In my and others opinions, it's 100% real. I still appreciate your imput on the matter. Have a nice day, sir.
-Jaxon
-Jaxon
Last edited:
Doug B
Well-known member
For a field used helmet there seems to be a distinct lack of dome wear from pics provided and the wear the helmet does have is not something I’m comfortable as being field wear either. The color scheme and pattern is also highly unusual.
I’ve had dozens of original WW1 camos in my collection, handled dozens (hundreds?) more and of course seen many more photos, never do I recall seeing initials, presumably of the artist, or perhaps the soldier, painted on the exterior.
I’m afraid I agree with John Josef. The paint exhibits age - or has been aged much later? - and may be period postwar painted, which could a piece of history in of itself. That said perhaps in hand opinion changes. Either way it’s something worthy of discussion, thanks for posting.
I’ve had dozens of original WW1 camos in my collection, handled dozens (hundreds?) more and of course seen many more photos, never do I recall seeing initials, presumably of the artist, or perhaps the soldier, painted on the exterior.
I’m afraid I agree with John Josef. The paint exhibits age - or has been aged much later? - and may be period postwar painted, which could a piece of history in of itself. That said perhaps in hand opinion changes. Either way it’s something worthy of discussion, thanks for posting.
Last edited:
stuka f
Well-known member
I second that!
Giant red flag to me...
Mappa
Active member
Sorry, but it's post war mock up...the color scheme is all wrong and so is the chipping and the wear. Have in mind that the Germans only painted helmets for the last few months of the war, many of the are done ofter the war end, such as the souvenir helmets for the soldiers to bring home...
Last edited:
Jaxon Norris
New member
Sorry you feel that way, I know It's original though, these forms haven't been the least helpful, I've had it evaluated outside of the form by multiple camo collectors. Have a nice day- Jaxon Norris
Doug B
Well-known member
A lot of “camo collectors” will thumbs up a lot of sketchy camos as it’s self serving. I would post it on German Helmet Walhalla - the best German helmet collectors are there.
I’ve been considered a top German helmet collector by some and there are red flags all over this one. Where is the dome wear? Why the large patterned scrapes in atypical places? Tool marks? Why is there a lack of field use scratching and wear? Why the unique paint and initials painted on the exterior?
When this many questions are asked the collector should step back and take a critical look at the piece.
HatEnjoyer
Well-known member
Unfortunately our friend has already made up his mind about this helmet. He posted it to the Wehrmacht Awards Forum as well and they also said it was no good.
Doug B
Well-known member
HatEnjoyer
Well-known member
Yep, ignorance is not a good trait at all. More people should ask with an open mind, and acknowledge their mistake when proved to be wrong.
While we are on the topic of fake camo’s, you mentioned that you have lots of experience with original camo stahlhelms. One of my friends recently bought one at a fair, and though he believes it to be real, I think otherwise. Do you mind if I send you a private message with the photos?
Doug B
Well-known member
By all means I’d be happy to offer an opinion.
John Josef
Well-known member
I just checked WA since I'm also a member there and I didn't have the heart to comment.
Apparently, he is not interested in honest opinions which is sad, and I quote "Im Afraid all of you saying that it's bad, have bad eyesight.... goodbye"
No one ever likes to be the bearer of bad news but forum members especially this one only want to help other collectors anyway we can and by just clicking the like button on questionable and frankly bad items really doesn't help anyone.
John Josef
Well-known member
No offense Jaxon but there are more than a few knowledgeable first world war German helmet collectors here from all over the world who have tried to offer you honest opinions based on many years of experience in an effort to help.
hello everyone, you have to admit that you once bought the wrong helmet, I have been looking for a good camo for 2 years but what you see on the internet I honestly do not dare to buy, good or bad the sellers all claim good as long as they have your dollars or neuro, this is a very unfortunate thing, be honest, then you can still buy something expensive you know that you will get some euros or dollars back sick, but ebay is sometimes full of them, I do not dare to buy one on ebay and they are expensive less or 1000 dollars or euros you do not have a cam believe that but
John Josef
Well-known member
....and he did it again leaving the post with no title and no pictures...
Must have been bad pictures ....again....
I kind of feel for him, but you are kind of setting yourself up for failure when you say I know it's real and anyone who disagrees has bad eyesight and is wrong.
Let's face it no one is right 100% all of the time and we are all here to learn and share information but when members go out of their way to provide you with honest educated opinions and you insult them really what can you say or do.
I try to help as much as possible but as I know fakers are always looking in here to learn how they can improve their skills to deceive you have to hold the specifics close to the chest.
Helmetz
Member
I feel for him as well and reserved comment until now. The helmet camo paint is not war period done by any means (IMO). I'm curious as to where he found supporters of it being authentic period painted. Obviously, the opinions of people can be less discerning, or with a vested interest, or playing politics, as is often the case. FB pages come to mind.
Shouldn't have deleted the photos, denial never accomplishes anything. FWIW - If it looks good on his shelf, I hope he enjoys it.
Shouldn't have deleted the photos, denial never accomplishes anything. FWIW - If it looks good on his shelf, I hope he enjoys it.
Last edited:
HatEnjoyer
Well-known member
Here are those “expert opinions” he was talking about if anyone was wondering