UBB.threads Forums Uniform & Accessories Helmet Forum Better pics of SS helmet..opinions?

See if this group of pics helps you out. Comments and opinions are welcome.

Mark

pic 2

pic 3

pic 4

pic 5

Authentic?

Mark

Go to my post from yesterday "WAFFEN-SS M42 SD Opinions Welcomed" We have the exact same helmet, a Q64 (Quist). If you look at the number on the back of the skirt, above that is the name "Ricklefs" scratched into the shell. This is an unusual name outside Germany. I believe the name is authentic, as it's almost unnoticable. Your decal sure looks like mine.

If this is wrong I am going to have shock therapy.

Not a question of authenticity but why would the name be marked on the Skirt and Liner...I have seen this before but usually its different names from a reissue period.

TOM

When SS troopers were sleeping, it was common practice to play a practical joke on the unsuspecting fellow by replacing his helmet liner with an improperly sized one. To avoid this potential embarrassment, they often had their name emblazoned on the liner as well.

quote:

When SS troopers were sleeping, it was common practice to play a practical joke on the unsuspecting fellow by replacing his helmet liner with an improperly sized one.

I'm sorry but that sounds pretty far fetched to me as the removal and replacement of a liner - TWICE - sounds like an old wive's tale to me. More likely would be the placement of a rock down someone's boot or the like.

I think that drawstring sure dosen't show the same aging as the helmet and liner.

I was kidding about them playing practical jokes. The only REALLY important issue is whether it is actually an SS helmet. This hinges, of course, on the decal. If the decal is original, and period applied, the other issues diminish in importance. Assuming the decal is 100% good, it certainly makes it more likely that the names were period applied. It seems less likely that someone with an original helmet would need to embellish an already rare artifact with a phony name. Writing the name TWICE seems more like a quirk by the wearer. If a faker knew enough to abbreviate the rank correctly, he's probably copying other named helmets he's seen. A faker would have no need to write the name twice. As I mentioned in an earlier post, turn both the decal and the painted name away from the light, and look at both from a severe angle. You'll notice the helmet paint has a powdery appearance from being old and dried out. The decal surface and the painted name should also have this powdery look. You have to play with the angles a little. The draw string is no doubt replaced. Find someone with a mint helmet and trade them if they want a cleaner one. I've enclosed pics of an my identical Quist.

Q64..

Skirt - Notice scratched-in name at top- "Ricklefs"

Decal

Closeup

Yet another..

Again....

Liner..