UBB.threads Forums Uniform & Accessories Helmet Forum You'll Want to See This M35 SE68

I recently purchased this helmet and it arrived today. I wanted to share it as I think it is a good example of what is often occurring in todays collecting field of high-end helmets.

M35 SE68

Other side

Birdy

Tri

This helmet is a Great lid - Until this....

The Liner

The liner is an original war-time produced piece. It is in exception condition. I took the liberty of flipping it out to find my suspicions come true. The leather was replaced.

The 1937 dated liner band is original to the helmet and in great shape. The pins were never removed. This leather was swapped out and RBNr'd leather dated 1944 was in its place.

I'm currently trying to return the helmet or negotiate a deal for a nice DD Heer with replaced leather.

I wanted to share this with all of you as I feel it is becoming a common occurance. It's fine if it's sold and a disclaimer is made about the leather, in this case, it was not....

Hi Tom so the liner is period but just not original to this particular helmet? Thanks and cheers, Ryan It is a very beautiful helmet

Tom; What are your thoughts on the ink stamp on the rear of the helmet? I've seen ink stamps like it on reissued first war helmets. Jerry

tom not to sound rude but that helmet is outstanding.why the worry the helmet is perfect,just because the helmet has replaced leather doesnt make it less desireable.
if your not happy with it i would acomidate this in my collection
some people just cant be pleased

To be completely honest Greg the difference between this helmet and one that hasn't been messed with could be as much as $1000 or more.

If it would have been honestly presented that would be the buyers decision. As it is, it wasn't.

Is it not possible that it was period replaced??

That liner is a shame on what must have originally been a really nice helmet. In my opinion, and especially on a DD M35 Heer, I would say it detracts 50% of the value as oposed to a 100% original untouched. It is certainly no longer a high end collectable. That is a shame Tom, cuz that would have been a nice addition to your collection.

Bernie, I asked myself why this very lightly used helmet would have a period replaced liner. My personal guess is that it suffered severe dryrot in the past 60 years. It shows no signs of combat use whatsoever so it certainly wasn't worn out. And it probably never saw combat.

Erik

I've been in contact with the seller who (I believe) never knew the leather was swapped out. Hopefully all will work out.

I feel that replaced leather in this case would lower the value by about half, making this $3500 helmet a $1700 helmet. Properly restored and advertised with replaced leather, I think it would sell for over $2500. Again - buyers choice.

Tom,
Is the leather stamped with a size 60 ink stamp and a 61 on the inner skirt? The shell and liner size ink stamp in the skirt is unusual too.

Larry

Larry,

Yes. The aluminum splits match perfectly, but they are stamped 60/61.

The ink stamps in the rear skirt are very much like those used on transitionals. It is a shame, as I would like to be able to keep this.

it is a shame, the pictures looked great

Marc

This kind of proves Prices are getting a bit out of control on all Militaria.

Well, the seller didn't have my $$ to return, so he's selling the helmet on Ebay...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6638...TRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

can you give me any reason why you thought this liner wasn't original to the helmet before flipping it

Marc

I will be surprised if it reaches his reserve. $1875.00 maximum value I should think. It is a nice helmet though. cheers, Ryan

quote:

Originally posted by marc A:
can you give me any reason why you thought this liner wasn't original to the helmet before flipping it

Marc

Sure. The Sz stamp on the tip of the tongue was indicitive of late war issue. This was in contrast to the 1937 dated liner band. So... I took a peek.

quote:

Originally posted by marc A:
can you give me any reason why you thought this liner wasn't original to the helmet before flipping it

Marc

Not to speak for Mr. Kibler, however, if you look at the 'cut' of the leather it is of the later war style too. Hard to put in words exactly but the liners evolved in cut/shape etc.