I`m really not convinced that this wappen is original. It looks like it has a brown wash over it to age it. it looks like its been painted and rubbed to remove high areas of paint and the writing looks like its been re done, badly with a black wash.
That`s not to say it isnt an original plate, but I put money on the fact its not original finish.
This will go for crazy money, for the sort of money it will go for, I would want to hold it and feel it and sniff it.
The shako looks good, but how hard is it to badge a shako these days with a wappen that looks really convincing? It has been re-shaped though in my opinion, using alcohol (surgical sprits or meths?) The inside colour is a dead give away. That dark chocolate brown colour is a classic colour change for helmets that have been wetted with alcohol to soften them up. All the more reason to worry about the wappen
Just my thoughts.
I have no problem with adding a restored helmet to my collection, unlike a lot of other collectors, but the price should reflect the fact that it is restored. I fear the price on this one will be ridiculous.
Andy