Ebay Restoration Helmet (?)

[bosko]

Here's a Helmet Michael D. Long has on Ebay right now,is this piece a fairly easy restoration job-has anybody out there done any leather restitching and recreation ? A chinstrap can be had (475-$150) and a couple rivets for the spike-think this job is feasible 'do-it-yourselfer'?
-Here's The Ebay Description of the Helmet...
This is an original Prussian other ranks pickelhaube, the leather skull and front peak / visor are in good condition, although the stitching has perished on the front peak, the rear peak has one side sliced off, perhaps in combat, to the front is a gilt brass Prussian line eagle, and a brass spike on a round base to the top, this has two of the studs missing, leather liner complete, no chin-strap.

 

[Gustaf]

Hey Bosko,
Long's reputation is not the best, but this look OK to me if the price stays close to what you would pay for a reproduction. (the rear peak has one side sliced off, perhaps in combat) is a laugh, but some people like combat damage, if it was combat, I suspect it was between a couple of children. It is not a great helmet, but In my humble opinion, it is far better than a reproduction. I am sorry we keep hammering you on that point, but we hate to see someone pay a lot of money for something they probably can not get half back when the sell it, and even if you pay too much for an authentic helmet, in a little time, you can recoup you investment. Another "but" is you should not buy any collectable for an investment, you should only buy what will make you happy, and if that takes you back to a reproduction, then that is the direction you should go.
Best wishes
and welcome to the hobby, it is an illness, it is not cureable, but it can be treated.
Gus

 

[bosko]

Gustav-You're right re the investment part.I've bought/sold antiques for years and the only repros worth spit are things like a ming dynasty copy of a shang era vase-a 400 year old replica ! Thanks for the input-too bad he starts this thing at $300.