Yes, a total fake. I have encountered this discoloration of brass fittings from Germany a couple of times on helmes that I have repaired. I do not know what chemical they use, perhaps some one knows?? However, this piece is totally bogus...crap!
I find the quality hard to resist......man thats one BAD repro,friend had a Prussian one that looked much the same and I wouldnt even buy one for my kids to play with they are such an eye sore!
As for the ageing were you wanting an ageing method Brian or just curious what was used?
Hi MG34....I was just curious as to what chemical had been used. I had to clean all of it off on one of the helmets that I worked on. They use it to "age" the fittings. Once I had cleaned the spike off I realized due to pitting that it was a dug piece which had been put on this helmet.