20th c. Helmets Quiz!

[Vrylakas]

bmStrosstrupp wrote:

1, Reduced armour for increased manoeuvrability. Gunpowder rendered heavy armour relatively useless.

Yes!

2, Bright, colourful uniforms were a sign of prestige. Representing the country or state the army belonged to. Trench warfare changed the way battles were faught, as such the emphasis was on not attracting attention.

Uniform colors did play an important role in later national and unit pride development (18th & 19th century) but in the 16th and 17th armies were far less standardized, and tended still to be mostly mercenary armies.

3, Shrapnel. Artillery blasts produced large amounts of shrapnel responisble for many deaths and injuries in the opening months of the Great War.

Yes! Right on.

4, Artillery. Can't think of how to be more precise.

That'll do it. Yes!

5, Britain

Sorry, no on this one.

6, Germany/Prussia

Yes! Now what helmet was that?

7, Shrapnel? Sky-born grape shot!!

The sky-born part is right; both helmets were designed to protect the wearer from dangers falling from above. In 1400, the concern was arrows and in 1914 shrapnel.

8, Britain

No. That leaves one major option...

9, Germany

Yes! Easily the most effective!

10, France? Im guessing really

No - none. The answer is a trick; the Americans never made a helmet in World War I.

11, Hmm, I don't know that there is any name for the design. I'll have to desribe it! Well it had brown, khaki and green patches seperated by thick black lines. It proved ideal for use in the country side as well as in the trenches.

No - what you're describing is the later design of camouflage that would dominate all armies. The initial camouflage was very simple but amazingly effective.

12, Germany, America, Britain, Russia?

Yes! All four!

13, No idea!

Has something to do with the liner.

14, I'll hazard an educated guess and say that it was true.

No - false. While not universally used (read Knight-Dragon's descriptions) there was a Japanese steel helmet. The British, Australians and Americans showered the Japanese with shrapnel too...

15, Pass, Im not up on my French WW history!

The fact that I stopped at 1940 was a hint.

16, Pass

This country switched sides.

17, Er..Pass

Knight-Dragon and Knowltok have the right basic idea; it's just farther down the "process".

18, Cheaper to produce?

No. Hint: Less head scratching...

19, Pass

A couple folks have already correctly guessed the political innovation. Here's a hint about the technical one: a couple months ago an American soldier in Afghanistan was shot in the head - and all he got was a concussion.

20, WW1 Prussian leather helmet?

Very, verrryyy close, but no.

21, C

C is true...too...

Well thats that. Will you be posting a list of answers up?

I'll let people take some more stabs, then when either everything's covered or they've stallde on some, I'll cave in. Good run bmSs!

 

[Vrylakas]

bmStrosstrupp wrote:

Vrylakas

I've noticed that on the improved WW1 German Helmet there are two screws or stumps coming out the sides of the helmet. What were they used for? I also have found out that some German troops did use a sort of body armour, but what for? Surely it would of made the soldier too slow for a determined charge at the enemy trench and I doubt from the look of it it could stand up to concentrated fire.

It's in your hands, our helmet expert.

These side "lug" nuts played a couple different roles. The first, the reason they were put there in the first place, was to hold the metal strap inside the helmet that the leather liner was bolted to. The first version of the 1916 German "coal shuttle" helmet had the huge lug nuts, and several follow-up models continued to have them. I've read of psychological profiles claiming that the Reichswehr saw them as a sort of mythic horn, implying sexual and masculine verility - which I think was a bunch of bunk. They made German soldiers look like bugs in my opinion. They were used to a certain extent later in the war by soldiers to fasten camouflage covering (wire, branches, leaves, etc.) to but they kept getting caught on branches and barbed wire when soldiers were trying to squeeze through tight spots. Because of this, the next major design upgrade in 1935 did away with the external lugs.

All helmets have to have these lugs somewhere on the helmet, but most hid them by keeping them flush and smooth.

 

[Vrylakas]

Knowltok2 wrote:

More answers based upon the response to K-D. (No research involved, I promise.)

That's OK Knowltok; cheating is always allowed on my quizzes...

13. Just guessing, but they would hold water? That way US soldiers could use them for shaving, bathing, maybe even cooking...

Yes! Yes! In almost all helmets the liner is bolted right into the helmet "shell", but the American WW II helmets had separate detachable liners that were easily removed. This meant, as you mention, that American soldiers were carrying around a bathing and cooking pot on their heads.

18. Since they were used to put water in repeatedly, leather would wear out.

Almost there, but not quite. Think hygene.

19. If you are looking for the material, it would be Kevlar, if I am not mistaken.

Yes! As I just mentioned in answering bmStrosstrupp, an American soldier in Afghanistan a few months ago was shot in the head but only received a concussion. Steel helmets have little hope of stopping a bullet, but modern American kevlar helmets (used all over the world by now) have a chance of doing so and they're much lighter as well!

Good quiz!!!

I wasn't sure anyone would like this one. These quizzes are fun to do!

 

[Vrylakas]

Knight-Dragon, Round II:

quote:
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Originally posted by Vrylakas
K-D's back! How's the job hunt K-D?
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I'm always around, just not posting in the History section. Just getting started on the job-hunting, after breaking for more than 2 months.

quote:
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9. In sheer terms of military value, what helmet design of World War I (or which country's) was the most successful?
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Germany?

You like Germany, don't you K-D?

Yes - you're right on this one. Germany's round pot helmet, with a short visor in front protecting the eyes from dangers above and with a wrap-around neck-protecting feature has proven the best helmet design of the war in terms of protection. (That's a hint for another question.)
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Yup, Germany and China are my favourite 'history-related' countries.

Geschichte über alles!

quote:
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12. In the 1920s and 30s, helmets were seen as objects of national pride in nationalism-soaked Europe, so that nearly every country designed their own unique helmets for their armies, with dramatic flairs, feathers, colorful designs, etc. However, the reality of modern war had sunk in enough by 1942 in another World War that almost all combatants adopted one of 4 dominant helmet designs in Europe. Indeed, two of these basic helmet designs would dominate the world's armies well into the 1980s. What four countries produced these helmets?
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Germany, Britain, France, Soviet Union?

3 out of 4! Germany, Britain and the Soviet Union all equipped many foreign allied armies with their own helmets - as did one other country in World War II.
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If not France, then the USA?

Yes! That's the one!

Or maybe Italy?

quote:
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14. True or false: With a very different fighting terrain to contend with than the European theater in World War II, the Japanese Imperial forces never adopted a steel helmet in their uniform.
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False. The Japanese don't wear helmets due to the kind of enemies they fought with (Chinese). Or maybe because not enough resources to supply every soldier with one.

Of all the questions I figured you'd get right.... Yup. You know it. I suspect jungle heat on the islands precluded all Japanese troops from using them.
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Not jungle heat. I was thinking more of the Japanese forces in China; some did wear helmets but most just made do with the typical Japanese military caps. I suspect it has something to do with resource restraints. At this period, I think Japan needed all the metal imports for her ships, aircraft etc.

If it's the climate, well, the modern day forces of Singapore, Malaysia etc do incorporate the helmet into their standard military gear.

Good point. You're right, that the steel may have been a scarce resource for Tokyo and applied to ships and planes instead.

quote:
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18. By the end of World War II many countries began to use plastic webbing in their helmet liners instead of leather. Why?
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Plastic is cheaper/easier to produce?

No - a more practical reason.
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Smell? Longer durability?

No. Think hygene.

Another good run K-D!

 

[Vrylakas]

Globber wrote:

Originally posted by Vrylakas

1. Medieval combatants in Europe wore increasingly large amounts of body armor including helmets - with weights sometimes approaching 140 kg/300 lbs - but in the 16th and 17th centuries this trend suddenly reversed itself. Why?

Iron was stronger at heavier weights, blocking sword blows and arrows

Yes, you've got the aspect of why they wore armor until the 16th and 17th centuries, but why did they stop?

2. At the same time as this trend reversal, European combatants began adopting extremely colorful uniforms. This 2nd trend persisted well into the 19th century, even through the standardization of military uniforms in Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries, stopping abruptly in 1914. Why?

The colors could be told apart easily, and no amount of armour could protect a soldier from musket balls.

This is the correct answer for both questions # 1 and 2. Firearms ended the age of armor in warfare in Europe, and these same firearms (with blackpowder) obscured the battlefield so much that armies needed to be able to distinguish between each other.

3. After 400 years with minimal or no headgear (aside from decorative shakos and kepis), what compelled Europeans to clamor for helmets in the first few months of World War I?

New technologies in weaponry, ex. high-powered rifles

No, not rifles. New technologies indeed, but what? A steel helmet will not stop a high-powered bullet.

4. What technological revolution in the 19th century had suddenly made helmets a necessity? (Related obviously to # 3)

Fragmenting explosives and machine guns

The fragmenting explosives is the right answer - showering the battlefield with deadly shrapnel.

5. What country was the first to introduce a modern steel helmet into military service in the modern era, in October 1915?

Great Britain

No.

6. This country (not the same as in question # 5) had actually entered World War I with its soldiers wearing a leather helmet with a famously-recognizable design, though this parade helmet proved inadequate for modern warfare. What country and helmet was this?

Germany, the foolish helmet with a brass(?) spike on top

Yes on both accounts! You're the first one to get the helmet. I thought this one would go quickly. The spiked Pickelhaube was the leather helmet Germans wore in 1914, but it proved useless for protection in modern warfare.

7. The British in World War I adopted a helmet based on a common design from the Hundred Years War some 500 years earlier. This 500 year old saucer-shaped design showed the British soldier of the Great War faced what similar threat as the English soldier of 1400?

The Frenchies

No, I'm not looking for a people here. And the British of 1916 did not have to worry about the French...

8. Italy, Russia, Serbia, and 9 other countries in World War I adopted the helmet from what country?

GB

No.

9. In sheer terms of military value, what helmet design of World War I (or which country's) was the most successful?

GB

No, definitely not.

10. How many countries used the American-made helmet design in World War I?

???

Not even a guess?

11. The Germans developed a strange and unique camouflage for their helmets in World War I that proved very successful, and was even adopted by the Allies for their helmets, tanks and even ships. What was this camouflage?

Branches and leaves???

No, those would come later.

12. In the 1920s and 30s, helmets were seen as objects of national pride in nationalism-soaked Europe, so that nearly every country designed their own unique helmets for their armies, with dramatic flairs, feathers, colorful designs, etc. However, the reality of modern war had sunk in enough by 1942 in another World War that almost all combatants adopted one of 4 dominant helmet designs in Europe. Indeed, two of these basic helmet designs would dominate the world's armies well into the 1980s. What four countries produced these helmets?

Britain, Germany, USA, Soviet Union

Yes - all 4!

13. Although the World War I model was still used by some branches of the U.S. military as late as 1942, the U.S. began the introduction in early World War II of a steel helmet with a unique design feature that allowed American soldiers to use their helmets in ways no other soldiers could. What was this feature? (P.S. Modern American helmets no longer have this feature.)

An elastic band??

No.

14. True or false: With a very different fighting terrain to contend with than the European theater in World War II, the Japanese Imperial forces never adopted a steel helmet in their uniform.

True

No - false. Though not nearly used as often, the Japanese did have a steel helmet.

15. The French Adrian helmet had been a staple for French forces from World War I until the defeat of 1940, and yet in 1945 De Gaulle did not continue it. Why?

He didn't feel like it, i dunno

No. C'est politique.

16. What country in World War II went through 3 helmet designs?

Italy

No, though you're relatively close geographically. This country switched sides in the war in 1944.

17. For whatever their regular army helmets looked like in World War II, every countries' paratrooper helmets all looked similar, like overturned bowls with no edges. Why?

they were less obtrusive, but i swear American paras and German FJs had normal helms

Yes, they were less obtrusive, though I ask why. And you're right that American paras did use the regular army helmets, which already had minimal edges.

18. By the end of World War II many countries began to use plastic webbing in their helmet liners instead of leather. Why?

It gave more support and was more comfortable???

No - it was a hygene issue.

19. In the early 1990s, the U.S. introduced a completely new helmet design to replace its 1942-1989 model. This new design incorporated two experimental features that were revolutionary, one in a technical sense and the other in a political sense. What were these features?

Kevlar, i dunno the other

Yes - the kevlar replacing steel was the technical innovation!

20. Care to guess what the most sought-after 20th century helmet is by avid collectors, sometimes (depending on condition) going for up to $6000 USD at an auction?

Nepalese paratrooper helmets, obviously

Hmmmm....

21. Multiple choice: There is an entire worldwide industry based on helmets collected from:

A. Grandpa's attic
B. Excavators who use metal-detectors on old battlefields
C. Counterfeiters who fabricate popular helmets
D. Paramilitary survivalist wacko freaks
E. All of the above

B

Yes, B...too...

Great run Globber!

 

[Vrylakas]

CivGeneral wrote:

quote:
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Originally posted by Vrylakas

1. Medieval combatants in Europe wore increasingly large amounts of body armor including helmets - with weights sometimes approaching 140 kg/300 lbs - but in the 16th and 17th centuries this trend suddenly reversed itself. Why?

Iron is stronger and heaver

OK, but why did Europeans stop wearing armor suddenly in the 16th and 17th centuries?

2. At the same time as this trend reversal, European combatants began adopting extremely colorful uniforms. This 2nd trend persisted well into the 19th century, even through the standardization of military uniforms in Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries, stopping abruptly in 1914. Why?

The bright colors on an infantrymen made him prone to any sniper attacks (The American Reviolutionary War is one example where minutemen in subdued clothing were hiding in the bushes and ambushing a formation of British solders

That's a good description of a disadvantage of colorful uniforms (especially after rifles were invented) but what was an advantage?

3. After 400 years with minimal or no headgear (aside from decorative shakos and kepis), what compelled Europeans to clamor for helmets in the first few months of World War I?

Machine guns, Faster bullets, etc

No, bullets could easily penetrate steel helmets.

4. What technological revolution in the 19th century had suddenly made helmets a necessity? (Related obviously to # 3)

Machine guns and Grenades

Now with the grenades you're getting closer. Shrapnel was the big killer in modern warfare, from advances in artillery.

5. What country was the first to introduce a modern steel helmet into military service in the modern era, in October 1915?

Great Britian

No.

6. This country (not the same as in question # 5) had actually entered World War I with its soldiers wearing a leather helmet with a famously-recognizable design, though this parade helmet proved inadequate for modern warfare. What country and helmet was this?

The German's Pickelhaub helmit, The one with that spike

And he says it by name! Yes - you're right on with this one.

7. The British in World War I adopted a helmet based on a common design from the Hundred Years War some 500 years earlier. This 500 year old saucer-shaped design showed the British soldier of the Great War faced what similar threat as the English soldier of 1400?

The French

Lots of people said that, but no - I'm not talking about a people.

8. Italy, Russia, Serbia, and 9 other countries in World War I adopted the helmet from what country?

Great Britian

No.

9. In sheer terms of military value, what helmet design of World War I (or which country's) was the most successful?

Great Britian

Definitely no.

10. How many countries used the American-made helmet design in World War I?

About 6

Sorry - trick question. The U.S. didn't make helmets in the First World War; its armies were forced to use British helmets.

11. The Germans developed a strange and unique camouflage for their helmets in World War I that proved very successful, and was even adopted by the Allies for their helmets, tanks and even ships. What was this camouflage?

Branches and twigs

No - they would come later.

12. In the 1920s and 30s, helmets were seen as objects of national pride in nationalism-soaked Europe, so that nearly every country designed their own unique helmets for their armies, with dramatic flairs, feathers, colorful designs, etc. However, the reality of modern war had sunk in enough by 1942 in another World War that almost all combatants adopted one of 4 dominant helmet designs in Europe. Indeed, two of these basic helmet designs would dominate the world's armies well into the 1980s. What four countries produced these helmets?

Germany, Russia, Great Britan, and the United States

Yes - all 4 right!

13. Although the World War I model was still used by some branches of the U.S. military as late as 1942, the U.S. began the introduction in early World War II of a steel helmet with a unique design feature that allowed American soldiers to use their helmets in ways no other soldiers could. What was this feature? (P.S. Modern American helmets no longer have this feature.)

Chin Straps

No - everyone had chin straps.

14. True or false: With a very different fighting terrain to contend with than the European theater in World War II, the Japanese Imperial forces never adopted a steel helmet in their uniform.

T

No - false.

15. The French Adrian helmet had been a staple for French forces from World War I until the defeat of 1940, and yet in 1945 De Gaulle did not continue it. Why?

They were not up to the standards

No, the issue was more political.

16. What country in World War II went through 3 helmet designs?

Italy

No.

17. For whatever their regular army helmets looked like in World War II, every countries' paratrooper helmets all looked similar, like overturned bowls with no edges. Why?

To prevent metal cuts

Realllll close on this one. It had something to do with the fall.

18. By the end of World War II many countries began to use plastic webbing in their helmet liners instead of leather. Why?

For comfort and support

No - more of a health issue.

19. In the early 1990s, the U.S. introduced a completely new helmet design to replace its 1942-1989 model. This new design incorporated two experimental features that were revolutionary, one in a technical sense and the other in a political sense. What were these features?

Kevlar

Yes!

20. Care to guess what the most sought-after 20th century helmet is by avid collectors, sometimes (depending on condition) going for up to $6000 USD at an auction?

The German Picklehaub helmit

German, yes, but not the Pickelhaube.

21. Multiple choice: There is an entire worldwide industry based on helmets collected from:

A. Grandpa's attic
B. Excavators who use metal-detectors on old battlefields
C. Counterfeiters who fabricate popular helmets
D. Paramilitary survivalist wacko freaks
E. All of the above

E

Yes!

Good run CivGeneral!

 

[bmStrosstrupp]

Vrylakas

I did some research on the 'lugs' of the improved German WW1 helmet (does the design have a name?) and found out something very intresting. It would seem that my research has answered not only the question of the 'lugs' but that of the body armour as well. I shall explain.

I have discovered that the Germans were producing a very limited amount of full front and back body armour. The 'lugs' on the side of the helmet were actually used for fastening a plate of steel to protect the front of the head from a bullet. I believe that the purpose of all of this was not for standard troops but rather for snipers.

Regards b

 

[knowltok2]

On the paratrooper question: Since you mentioned the fall, I would guess it would have to do with the roll that is normally associated with landing. Doing a roll with one of those British helmets wouldn't be fun to say the least.

As for the leather v. plastic, I assume that the leather would rot, and while in WWI and early WWII there was no answer for this, towards the end plastic had been developed.

 

[Vrylakas]

Knowltok2 wrote:

On the paratrooper question: Since you mentioned the fall, I would guess it would have to do with the roll that is normally associated with landing. Doing a roll with one of those British helmets wouldn't be fun to say the least.

Yes! Early paratroopers who wore helmets with edges often had neck injuries when they hit the ground and rolled!

As for the leather v. plastic, I assume that the leather would rot, and while in WWI and early WWII there was no answer for this, towards the end plastic had been developed.

Verrryyy close. Yes, you're right that the development of plastic was one of the driving forces behind its adoption and leather does rot but plastic proved resistant to a health problem that soldiers often faced...especially when wearing headgear and not showering for long periods...

 

[knowltok2]

Originally posted by Vrylakas
Verrryyy close. Yes, you're right that the development of plastic was one of the driving forces behind its adoption and leather does rot but plastic proved resistant to a health problem that soldiers often faced...especially when wearing headgear and not showering for long periods...

I'll give one last guess: Rotting leather encouraged lice?

Vyrlakas, are there any other questions left unanswered at this point?

 

[Vrylakas]

Knowltok2 wrote:

I'll give one last guess: Rotting leather encouraged lice?

Yes! You got it! While lice rarely became a fatal problem they were a major nuicance for front line troops wading through mud and water and sleeping outside each night. Plastic was far more resistant to head lice.

Vyrlakas, are there any other questions left unanswered at this point?

We're almost wrapped up, Knowltok. One more to go: 16.

Here's a hint: This country started the war with its own helmet design (a strange, mushroom-shape), then some of its armed forces started using the helmet of their principal ally, but in August 1944 they abruptly switched sides due to military expediency and those parts of its army that had been wearing the helmet of their former ally switched to the helmet of the new ally.

Does that help?

 

[knowltok2]

Originally posted by Vrylakas
Knowltok2 wrote:

I'll give one last guess: Rotting leather encouraged lice?

Yes! You got it! While lice rarely became a fatal problem they were a major nuicance for front line troops wading through mud and water and sleeping outside each night. Plastic was far more resistant to head lice.

Vyrlakas, are there any other questions left unanswered at this point?

We're almost wrapped up, Knowltok. One more to go: 16.

Here's a hint: This country started the war with its own helmet design (a strange, mushroom-shape), then some of its armed forces started using the helmet of their principal ally, but in August 1944 they abruptly switched sides due to military expediency and those parts of its army that had been wearing the helmet of their former ally switched to the helmet of the new ally.

Does that help?

Romania? Just a guess, and If that isn't right I shall stop and await either someone else to get it, or for you to post the answer. Thanks for the hints on the head lice thing.

 

[bmStrosstrupp]

Vrylakas

Do you have any pictures of the various helmet styles of ww1-ww2 Europe that you could append to a future post? What of your collection? Would it be possible to see some of your more prized belongings? Inparticular do you have any pictures of any SS helmets, or better yet, do you own one?

Concerning my reply to the question about WW1 helmet camouflage, I believe my inaccurate answer can be attributed to the sight of, what I now believe to be, a 'fake' German WW1 helmet. I remember seeing a helmet of WW1 German design at a military show not too long ago. I recall large thick black lines in-between the colour patterns but not the colours that you have described. Well I did a bit of research, not that I do not trust your statements, and found out what colours there should of been. Im quite suprised that blues and oranges were used! I suppose it shows the reality of the 'fakes' market out there.

One other thing that I remember from the Military Fair was some of the prices of the helmets. At first some of the prices seemed quite expensive but I never came across a price tag with a large number attached or a helmet without a price tag. I am sure I saw some SS helmets and I'm certain the prices you suggested for such a piece were not seen at the fair. I live in the U.K. so I'm not sure if that makes any difference to the market, although I doubt it. Could this be further evidence of a large fakes market? Are there any good ways by which to tell a fake from an original? Any help in this matter would be most helpful as I am most intrested in collecting WW2 memorabilia. Although I do not currently own anything aside from a couple of old Russian medals I am increasingly warming to the hobby.

Regards b

 

[Vrylakas]

Knowltok wrote:

Romania? Just a guess, and If that isn't right I shall stop and await either someone else to get it, or for you to post the answer. Thanks for the hints on the head lice thing.

Yes! Romania started the war with its own helmet design, then many Romanian Army units switched to the German design. When the Soviet Army showed up on the Pruth River in August 1944 Bucharest wisely switched sides again, and it became very political inexoedient to be seen with a German-made helmet, njot to mention dangerous. The Soviet M35 helmet was then adopted. Romanian troops participated in the Soviet invasion of Hungary, and all three helmets can be seen in photos.

Great one, Knowltok! It's a wrap, and a quick one at that. Thanks for all who took a chance! I told you it wasn't going to be too hard....

 

[Vrylakas]

bmStrosstrupp wrote:

Do you have any pictures of the various helmet styles of ww1-ww2 Europe that you could append to a future post? What of your collection? Would it be possible to see some of your more prized belongings? Inparticular do you have any pictures of any SS helmets, or better yet, do you own one?

Good news: I have pictures.

Bad news: Posting my pictures in this forum would probably fatally choke the server TF's excellent website is currently residing in.

PM me your e-mail address and I'll send 'em over. I don't have the entire collection on film yet as my scanner is a bit creaky. Sooner or later I'll break down and go digital, but I have to get it past the family CFO (i.e., wife).

I have a German M35 helmet, but not SS. Mine was recovered from Greece, and is Wehrmacht. Here is a website that might be helpful, and better yet this one.

My collection tends towards World War I, though I have plenty of WW II. As for price, well, sometimes you can get lucky and find a good deal. I collect only completely authentic helmets, so if you're interested in the same thing you need to be very careful about repros or fakes. Also, in some countries Nazi artifacts are illegal to own (France, Germany, etc.) I usually haunt outdoor farmers' markets all over Europe and have found some great deals, sometimes literally for the equivalent of just a few $$$. A suggestion would be to snag lots of stuff at decent prices - whatever you can get a good deal on - you may not be interested in then haunt one of the collectors' networks (like MCN.org.uk) and trade for stuff you do want.

Concerning my reply to the question about WW1 helmet camouflage, I believe my inaccurate answer can be attributed to the sight of, what I now believe to be, a 'fake' German WW1 helmet. I remember seeing a helmet of WW1 German design at a military show not too long ago. I recall large thick black lines in-between the colour patterns but not the colours that you have described. Well I did a bit of research, not that I do not trust your statements, and found out what colours there should of been. Im quite suprised that blues and oranges were used! I suppose it shows the reality of the 'fakes' market out there.

There is a lot of money in collecting helmets and where's there's money there are criminals. World War I's 100th anniversary is only 12 years away so they are churning out the fakes left and right now. Nazis helmets of WW II are still by far the most counterfeited.

One other thing that I remember from the Military Fair was some of the prices of the helmets. At first some of the prices seemed quite expensive but I never came across a price tag with a large number attached or a helmet without a price tag. I am sure I saw some SS helmets and I'm certain the prices you suggested for such a piece were not seen at the fair. I live in the U.K. so I'm not sure if that makes any difference to the market, although I doubt it. Could this be further evidence of a large fakes market? Are there any good ways by which to tell a fake from an original? Any help in this matter would be most helpful as I am most intrested in collecting WW2 memorabilia. Although I do not currently own anything aside from a couple of old Russian medals I am increasingly warming to the hobby.

Again, prices can range wildly depending on lots of factors. there is no "Sothbys" for military collectors to give a definitive price or value; it really depends on many factors including whom you buy it from. A top-line Nazi SS helmet that is verifiably all original, in mint condition, with original decals, which can be verifiably traced to a known documented individual and a known campaign is the kind that will be fetching prices in the 1000s. One that's banged up a bit, with a failing liner or faded and pealing decals or missing parts will not be in the same range. I've seen SS helmets go for $150 USD. Regular Wehrmacht helmets like mine (which has an original Wehrmacht decal but no liner) can go for $40-50 USD. Remember - WW II ended almost 60 years ago so most are going to tend increasingly towards the "used" range.

Here's a site to help you with the fakes. I have a WW II Polish helmet recently recovered from the village of Piatek near the River Bzura, scene of one of the epic battles of the September 1939 campaign; this thing's been buried in the Earth for 63 years and it is rusted to say the least, but I prize it above any repro or "restored" helmet. I collect for history, not financial value.

 

[Knight-Dragon]

Originally posted by Vrylakas
Good news: I have pictures.

Bad news: Posting my pictures in this forum would probably fatally choke the server TF's excellent website is currently residing in.

You can use TF's file upload feature and then do an IMG tag to it. This option will save your files in TF's own server, rather than the forum server. We use this feature regularly for the succession games.

The link is at the bottom, betw the ad banners and called 'Upload File'.

I too am interested in seeing your collection.

 

[Vrylakas]

Knight-Dragon wrote:

You can use TF's file upload feature and then do an IMG tag to it. This option will save your files in TF's own server, rather than the forum server. We use this feature regularly for the succession games.

Great idea K-D! Thanks! It'll take me a week or so to get all of them on film & scanned. I'll post notice when they're up!

 

[Knight-Dragon]

Originally posted by Vrylakas
Knight-Dragon wrote:

You can use TF's file upload feature and then do an IMG tag to it. This option will save your files in TF's own server, rather than the forum server. We use this feature regularly for the succession games.

Great idea K-D! Thanks! It'll take me a week or so to get all of them on film & scanned. I'll post notice when they're up!

In a new thread, otherwise many may miss it. I am sure many people will be interested as well in seeing your collection as well. It hasn't really occur me that different countries will make use of differently styled helmets, until now.