Questionable Camos

[M45]

ww2 German M-40 helmet. Size 64. 3-color camo. With liner.

ww2 German M-40 helmet. Stahlhelm. 3-color camo helmet. Helmet complete with liner. Helmet have have 85% of camo paint. Inside is good liner size 57. Leather on a liner is soft, show wear and age. Here is maximum photos what I can add and show with the listing. Accepted PayPal payments. Please ask about shipping in you country. The item will be sent by registered air mail 1st class, next day after reception of payment. Shipping and handling $37.

Item location: Riga, Latvia
US $191.50
Reserve not met
EBAY item# 252101970552

A Latvian-Connection special. The 3 'RAL' colors are off, this is probably a relic shell that was reconditioned (corrosion/rust pitting underneath paint is obvious). Description leads one to believe it is being sold as authentic with no mention of restoration.
Eastern Europe is probably NOT the place to search for original camos.

 

[M45]

Ww2 wwii german m42 normandy camo helmet in send-home wood box

Another excellent REX-39 restoration. SOLD: $725.

eBay # 181889491647

Those of you familiar with my past auctions will recognize this as my repaint work. The painting and aging techniques used have taken years to perfect and the results are incredible. Both the box and helmet look absolutely dead-on real whether viewed from across the room, up close, or even under a magnifying glass. I guarantee this boxed send-home helmet to be one of the finest re-creations available anywhere in the world. Here's your opportunity to own what appears to be an extremely rare WW2 collectible at a fraction of the cost.

It appears that Rex used a helmet with its original liner and interior paint intact for this masterpiece. The bad news is that this helmet and those like them will probably one day be sold as originals for far more than his asking price. The good news is that collectors can be aware of and study his work carefully to be able to recognize it when it appears. Collectors can also become aware of what is possible in the camo collecting field and not be swayed by good feelings, gut feelings, COA paperwork, forum approvals, congered vet association and previous ownership by big names in the hobby.

If we were unscrupulous and dishonest (which we are not), how might we market this helmet as authentic?
-Take some photos of a vet holding this helmet and procure his written statement about the circumstances of him finding this identical helmet during WWII
-Send it away for inspection to procure a signed COA statement of authenticity (some special seal stamps on the official document of the authenticating agency would be nice also)
-Get a bunch of our helmet buddies to give it glowing reports on a forum, and then put it on the for-sale table.
-List the helmet on eBay with a good story about how it was found in a barn with some other war relics.
-Pass this helmet on to some of our 'famous collecting buddies' for them to own it for awhile and then use their names as a marketing tool.

 

[M45]

NEW! Item 622 M42 Medic helmet

NEW! Item 622 M42 Medic helmet

http://www.germanhelmetsinc.com/helmetssale.htm

This is one of the very few medic helmets which I judged as real from the second I laid my eyes on it. A true "one looker" in every regard. It started out life as a single decal army helmet (shell size 64) from EF; most likely produced in 1942. The helmet was subsequently overpainted by brush in a semi-matte off-white finish with a single red cross applied by brush to the front. There are several paint runs and significant crazing, particularly in the recesses of the flared edge. The original factory applied eagle decal is seen beneath the over-paint. If you have been on the hunt for a medic helmet which requires no explanation and no blind faith; you may want to consider this one. It is my unshakable belief that this helmet is 100% legitimate. $5800.00

Notice that some photos of the far exterior have been shaded but not the liner shot. Post #1 of this thread shows a similar technique used by this seller to photograph white helmets. Red cross far too bright and new looking, very light general wear (well-distributed minor wear).

 

[pitfighter]

M45 - thank you for posting these pieces - I find reading about your finds and "discoveries" fascinating and helpful -
There is a lot of knowledge in this thread.

Cheers,

JVJ

 

[nirvana]

It's been sort of a joke over the years, that there are more 101st airborne marked jeeps today than there were during the during. It seems like a common marking to apply after a restoration.

I'm pretty convinced that there are more medic and camo helmets today that there were soldiers in Normandy, or medics in the war..

 

[M45]

http://www.ardennes44.com/en/items/...e-normandy-sprayed-camouflage.htm#prettyPhoto

This M1942 Heer/Waffen-SS helmet has been air-brushed in a outstanding « Normandy » three-color camouflage pattern. The helmet is a « ckl66 » with lot number « 4543 ». Nearly 98% of its camouflage remains, the liner leather is in very good condition, nicely worn, it still retains its original drawstring and its original small chinstrap part (pigskin construction). Initials of the owner present on the liner. This is really a OUTSTANDING « Normandy » camouflaged helmet !!!
Price: 3450,00€

This is an easy one to spot as a restoration; fine micro-spatter indicative of air-brushing or a modern spray paint can, heavy rub marks to bare metal surrounded by large areas of pristine conditioned paint, lacking believable wear to crown, bright colors reflecting the newness of the paint, not faded over 7 decades. (why would anyone think that helmets were air-brushed back then?)

3 photos of a 3-color 'Normandy' that shows age and combat wear.

 

[M45]

M45 - thank you for posting these pieces - I find reading about your finds and "discoveries" fascinating and helpful -
There is a lot of knowledge in this thread.

Cheers,

JVJ

JVJ, I'm glad you enjoy these postings. I don't know of any other forum where there is completely honest and transparent critiques of camos.

 

[M45]

http://www.virtualgrenadier.com/sale_item.php?iid=4041

Heer or Waffen SS tri color camouflaged helmet. USD: 2950.

Very minor, well-distributed wear, which is unnatural IMO. The structure of its texture is in fantastic condition. Other than some areas with paint popped off, I see no believable wear whatsoever.
Bright coloring overall, not faded after 7 decades of oxidation, storage, handling, etc...

The base appears to be a no-decal slate gray ckl66 helmet, a comparatively low-dollar helmet.

 

[M45]

http://www.italianwarfront.com/?page_id=9

German WWII Luftwaffe M-40 combat camo helmet, large size 66/58 shell ET.

Liner and pins are unmolested complete with original chinstrap. A great LW Feld Divisionen combat helmet.

$3,000



Factory helmets with heavy wear, corrosion/oxidation are excellent candidates for upgrades (low-value helmets), and collectors should be aware of this when considering camos. Note that the camo is in much better condition overall than the interior finish, which is very heavily oxidized.

Two extreme rub spots to bare metal (top and front) while the rest has well-distributed minor wear (dings) - unnatural wear patterns, IMO.

Far too much fresh exterior rust, indicating a more recent exposure to the elements.

Look out for repetitive wear marks (scratches or dings) that have fresh oxidation, and areas of extreme wear (large rub marks to bear metal) in the midst of much better conditioned paint - disparity of wear.

The heavy rub spot to bare metal on the crown should have extended over most of the top of the crown, not in just one small area. Field used camos do not usually wear that way.

 

[M45]

http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/showthread.php?t=832380

http://www.ebay.de/itm/CASQUE-ALLEMA...vip=true&rt=nc

EUR 861,00 32 bids Le Mans, France

CASQUE ALLEMAND CAMOUFLÉ
TRÈS BELLES COULEURS VIVES
TRÈS BEL ÉTAT

GERMAN HELMET CAMOUFLAGED
VERY bright, beautiful colors
VERY NICE STATE (CONDITION)

 

[M45]

Winning bid:
US $647.77
[ 65 bids ]

eBay item number:
401024391094


OLD GERMAN WW 2 HELMET FIRST AID RED CROSS NO LINER OR CHINSTRAP ARMY ORG

OLD GERMAN HELMET FOUND WHICH MUCH OTHER SURPLUS IN OLD MANS HOUSE. IT IS PAINTED WITH RED CROSS ACROSS TOP OF IT. SOMEONE TOOK LINER OUT. DOES HAVE SOME SURFACE RUST ON INSIDE AS SOME WATER HAD GOTTEN TO IT. I REMOVED THE SPIDER NEST AND WIPPED LITTLE OIL IN IT TO CLEAN. IT DOES HAVE H.W. IN RED INSIDE AND 4972 AND ET 64, PLS SEE PICS. $15 TO SHIP IN THE LOWER 48

 

[M45]

http://www.collectorsmilitaria.com/...n__multicolor_woodchip_camo_helmet_041811.htm

A Excellent WWII German Multicolor woodchip Camouflaged M40 Helmet

This is one of the best multicolor sawdust or wood chip Camo M40 helmets I have ever seen. It is an army helmet as the interior is green. There is a name on the liner and a name on the rear apron of the shell. The helmet also has it original chin strap. This M40 camo helmet was part of a large quality grouping I just bought out of the east coast. The vet was in the 3rd Infantry Division and was the winner of the bronze star. After the war he had quite a distinguished legal career. I will provide the name of the vet who brought this helmet home to the buyer. This is the best unquestionable German camo helmet on the market today!

A Excellent WWII German Multicolor woodchip Camouflaged M40 Helmet. This is the best multicolor sawdust or wood chip Camo M40 helmets I have ever seen. It is an army helmet as the interior is green. There is a name on the liner and a name on the rear apron of the shell. The helmet also has it original chin strap. I am sure this helmet will be in a book some day. This M40 camo helmet was part of a large quality grouping I just bought out of the east coast. The vet was in the 3rd Infantry Division and was the winner of the bronze star. After the war he had quite a distinguished legal career. I will provide the name of the vet who brought this helmet home to the buyer. This is the best unquestionable German camo helmet on the market today! Click on the picture below to see more images. $5200 SOLD!

Knowing how easy vet association is to conger up, and knowing that camos were front line helmets that took a beating in combat, I would pause at the pristine condition of this camo paint. Why is it that collectors are so drawn to condition, even to the point of wanting pristine or brand new camos and C-SS helmets.

The colors are off (red-brown) and apparently no wear whatsoever to the crown. How difficult would it be to recreate this during an afternoon?

 

[ZF41 K98k]

What are the thoughts on this one?

http://www.virtualgrenadier.com/sale_item.php?iid=4107

 

[M45]

ZF41, I have been making comments all through this thread. Now it's time for others to give their own commentaries.

I posted the helmet showing some important areas to consider but will make no comment regarding authenticity one way or the other.

I would like to see what others think of it before I say anything.

You may have to download to get better magnification.

http://www.virtualgrenadier.com/sale_item.php?iid=4107

$2350

 

[deadeye18]

Looks too new and fresh to me,looks like it's been airbrushed with humbrol enamel model paint.

 

[M45]

I posted two Humbrol paint charts. Take a look at the enamel matt #249 RLM79 Sand-gelb. (bottom of 3rd column)

 

[deadeye18]

Yeah that colour looks pretty much spot on. Humbrol enamels are pretty hard wearing and even the matt paints have a little sheen to them when used on bare or painted steel as opposed to plastic kits.

 

[M45]

Rex-39 3-color camo

REX-39 3-COLOR CAMO

EBAY: 182032008054 Price: US $345.00

This is a WW2 German M35 helmet shell. Size is 62 cm. The shell is a Quist (marked Q62); lot number is very faint and hard to read. There is no liner and no decals. The helmet is painted early war apple green, brush painted reissue textured field gray, and over-sprayed Normandy camo - tan with brown and green accents. Interior is apple green. There is a moderate amount of wear. The helmet is otherwise in excellent condition with no cracks, dents, or unwanted holes. Scroll down, look at the pictures, then return to the item description.

Although this is an original WW2 German M35 helmet shell, the painting and aging are newly done. The techniques used make this helmet appear absolutely dead-on real whether viewed from across the room or in your hand. I guarantee this to be one of the finest repaints available anywhere. Here's your opportunity to own what appears to be a real M35 Normandy camo reissue combat helmet at a fraction of the cost of an original. Included with the helmet is a set of split pins that have been painted to match. I will also include the washers. To prevent resale as original the inside of the shell is marked as a repaint. Marking will not be visible with a liner in place.

 

[M45]

Named WWII German Normandy Painted Helmet with bring back paper from 1st ESB Vet

Ebay: 291690569792 Price: US $3,500.00

Named WWII German Normandy Painted Helmet with bring back paper from 1st ESB Vet

Attention eBay: This helmet meets all listing guidelines and does not have any prohibited markings.


This auction is for an all original WWII German helmet with Normandy camo. The helmet has its WWII bring back authorization paper.

This helmet is in very good condition. I has a great 3 color camo paint.
The leather liner is in very good condition.
The leather chin strap is in very good condition.
The German vets name is painted on the back inside rim. Can possibly be researched.

The helmet was sent home by a Normandy1st Engineer Special Brigade vet. Please check my other auctions if you are interested in a group of is items.

Also please check my other auctions for an elite belt and buckle that was also sent home by the vet.


My question, for anyone interested, is that not long ago I would have deemed both this camo and the REX-39 camo above as authentic, no doubt about it.

Now that I know the REX-39 camo is fake, what makes this camo authentic? REX has shown us what is possible with camo replication. I don't see how the document is directly tied to this helmet, other than the fact that it comes with the helmet.

 

[deadeye18]

I'd have doubted the rex39 straight away,gut feeling it just doesn't look right . I think it was done using a stiff brush like a toothbrush,paint scrubbed and flicked on for a spray effect .rubbed around in a bath of pebbles to get the wear after it dried. It looks good though . the bottom helmet looks good on the inside bit not sure about the outside . looks badly stored . Who knows it might look better in the hand but I wouldn't buy it as I'm no expert . I've got a couple of camo helmets that my dad got for nothing back in the 50s and they will do for me . This is a great thread by the way M45, It's scary how good some tin hat painters are.