Helmet Interior Flesh Vs Grain

pickelhauben

pickelhauben

Well-known member
Hey Guys

I just got a Brass Bav Arty EM helmet in .

It all looks original with no extra holes and it does have stamps on the rear visor but they are hard to make out .

The unusual thing about it is that the inside of the dome has the flesh side ( rough ) showing .

Usually this would either be a fireman's helmet or post war.

There are no marks on the dome what so ever ( from a comb ) and the finish is original.

I have talked to a well known collector and he says that yes this was done during war time .

Has anyone else encountered this ?
 
Like you I have handled and worked on hundreds of helmets. I have never heard of this or seen an example not even in post war fire helmets. This makes no sense as the rough flesh exterior provides a gripping surface for the shellac when it is sprayed on. I would like to see a picture.
 
The older repro helmets made in the U.K. are like what you describe, with the rough side of the leather facing the interior of the helmet.

The newer made repro helmets from India are also made in this manner.

Brian & Tony are correct in their statements.

Best Regards,

Alan
 
I think that this is either a modern copy, or a fire helmet. Not always visible traces from the ridge, or they were well camouflaged with varnish
 
I am a little to busy right now to post pics of The Bav Arty. .
I will try to post this weekend .
I have a Baden post war ( 20s-30s with no crown ) either fire or police officer that has the flesh side out as well.
BTW
My collector friend has been collecting for 30-40 years or so and has written a book on the subject.
But there is a possibility that this helmet could have been made up.
It has one of my repo brass visor trims on it .
I used to make them along with the rear spine back when they were not available like they are now.
Maybe about 20 years ago
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top