Chinstrap authenticity

[USN]

Good morning gentlemen,

A friend of mine recently picked up a very nice M16 helmet and had asked me about the authenticity of the chinstrap, I am leaning towards it being new leather sewn to period brass hardware, I could be wring because the leather does have some cracking where the chinstrap ends have been on but the unfinished side of the leather seems too rough, I typically see the backside either completely flat/ worn down after years of use or at least spots where it rested against the brim of the helmet or on someone's chin. Id love everyone's opinion and see if I'm right or need to learn more.

Many Thanks,
USN

 

[b.loree]

My opinion....artificially aged. You never see all that "hair" on the flesh side of originals. On all original straps, that has all been taken off during production of the hide/strap. It could also be taken off by wear but I very much doubt this. For example...recently I mentioned that during the "90's" I bought repro strap leather from George B. None of his straps had this "raw look" on the flesh side nor have any of the originals that I have in my collection or have seen at shows. In my opinion...Bogus!

 

[USN]

My opinion....artificially aged. You never see all that "hair" on the flesh side of originals. On all original straps, that has all been taken off during production of the hide/strap. It could also be taken off by wear but I very much doubt this. For example...recently I mentioned that during the "90's" I bought repro strap leather from George B. None of his straps had this "raw look" on the flesh side nor have any of the originals that I have in my collection or have seen at shows. In my opinion...Bogus!

That was my opinion, thank you!

 

[911car]

I agree with USN and Brian.