aicusv
Well-known member
A little time back I mentioned on another thread about the remains of a helmet that I acquired when I purchased another collector's extra parts box. This helmet is a large size and actually fits me, so I decided that I would try putting it back together. The thought was to use this piece in the public presentations I give on WWI. This would give my audience the opportunity to see and handle an original helmet, without putting any of my collection pieces at risk.
Someone had attempted to put a new liner in the helmet and had removed the visors. It took me about 6 months to restitch the visors. Once I had the visors reattached I started digging through my parts to see what I had to complete the helmet. I had everything needed, except the one item I didn't think would be an issue, the Wappen. This helmet should have just a plane line eagle, which matches the "ghost" on the front of the helmet. After trying several grey metal eagle I discovered that none of mine fit. The construction of the helmet is a fiber bowl with leather visors, but the Wappen holes are just too close together. They measure a max. 77mm spread (widest to widest point), while the loops on all my Wappen measure 80mm (widest to widest). I now have to find a Wappen. Cockades are repainted and the chin strap is made of original hardware with new leather.
Here are some photos; a before and a couple of almost completed.
Someone had attempted to put a new liner in the helmet and had removed the visors. It took me about 6 months to restitch the visors. Once I had the visors reattached I started digging through my parts to see what I had to complete the helmet. I had everything needed, except the one item I didn't think would be an issue, the Wappen. This helmet should have just a plane line eagle, which matches the "ghost" on the front of the helmet. After trying several grey metal eagle I discovered that none of mine fit. The construction of the helmet is a fiber bowl with leather visors, but the Wappen holes are just too close together. They measure a max. 77mm spread (widest to widest point), while the loops on all my Wappen measure 80mm (widest to widest). I now have to find a Wappen. Cockades are repainted and the chin strap is made of original hardware with new leather.
Here are some photos; a before and a couple of almost completed.