UBB.threads Forums Uniform & Accessories Helmet Forum My first FJ helmet, What do you think?

Hi all,
Just traded for this helmet today. Would liket to hear you thoughts.

2

I was told it came from crete. Any ideas on value? Thanks in advance.

Blades,

Can we see some more close-up pics? What are the stampings?

Bryan

Close ups of the decal, if there is one. Close ups of the makers stamp and size and close ups of the hardware on the chinstarps would tell everyone a lot.
Steve

Bryan and Steve,
Thanks so much for your posts. I do appreciate your thoughts on the matter. I was going to post more detailed pictures but family matters interviened.

The story on this helmet is it was picked up by a British Soldier after the war in a Crete junk shop when he was visiting the battle site of his youth. He was taken POW by the Germans and obviously never forgot it. The helmet has been the family,until the collector I got it from recieved it a few years ago. Here are some more pictures:

3

4

5

6

7

Forgot to mention there are evidence of decals on this helmet. The camo coating is too think to determine if there ever where.

Thanks again for any help you can give me on this one.

Blade,

I hesitate to reply bc FJ helmets are not my thing but I do have some concerns. I hope I am wrong, I would love to hear more experiences FJ guys chime in.

Here is a similar FJ I just almost got burned on
CZ MANUFACTURE YESTERDAY and marked CKL 71 7775. THEY LOOK a bit similar

2

I'm going to have to agree with Bryan on this. These shots in particular shows what should be there but doesn't have the look of an original. It has it, but it doesn't look honest to me.

An attempt. But with the gauge of steel used in a repo's, it falls short.





My opinion only.

Helmets a reproduction (Czech)shell,liner,straps are all bad.



Glenn

Sadly this FJ helmet is a Czech fake, looks like the dreaded footed 1 stamping. Nothing about this helmet is original.

Thanks everyone for your great advice and time. Didn't realize the landmines out there. Just talked with the dealer that I traded with and he claims "we can work something out nextg week". I hope to get out from under this lemon.

Can you tell me what specific features of this helmet gives it away?

Thanks again for your great help.

The footed one is a big red flag to me. Here is a picture of the ET71 that I have. If you will notice the 1 does not have a foot. I realize that there are some that will disagree but I have never held a real one with a footed 1.
Just my opinion for what it is worth.
Steve

I think blademan is eligible for the wound badge if he cant get his stuff back.

As a point of reference look at the difference in Steve's photo compared to the posted example.

The gauge of an honest rolled edge is unmistakable. It hasn't been duplicated and probably won't be, taking into account the cost of machinery involved to roll heavy gauged steel. And having a high quality steel blank as a planchet.

But they HAVE added something that originals have that has been missing from reproductions.

Also be aware the Czech fakes are now also being made without the foot on the 1 ....

Mark

Here's one that has been sitting in the dark top shelf of the closet

I know (now ) the decals are in the wrong spot

Inside

Edge and #

Chin strap

Other half of strap.Eagle decal is hard will not scratch.It has been repainted,and shield is hand painted.Bought at 11:00 P.M. in the dark with out any knowledge and no books

Moral of they story must be...

1) Don't buy helemts in the dark...

2) Make sure you know what the red flags are..

Almost forgot Camo cover

Cover came with it

You guys are great! Thanks for all the great info. If I can get this thing returned, you guys saved me a bunch.

Ed, thanks for your pictures, sorry we are in the same fraterity.

I guess if we are swimming with sharks, every once in a while we get bit. We just have to be able to smim faster and smarter. With regards to this FJ helmet. I went out and bought a bunch of books before hand, but none of them said anything about the repro's. I should have spent more time on the forums before hand.

Thanks again everyone and I will let you know how it turns out.

I told everyone I would let them know what happend with this repro helmet deal. I went over to the dealer's house today and I believe he realy didn't know it was bad, especially considering how much he had into it. He had no problem reversing the trade in full. Boy what a relief! I'll be more careful next time. Thanks for everyone's help. You saved me thousands.

Great to hear that for awhile I thought I would have to help you shake him down. Too bad no wound badge for now.