Thoughts on this ebay item

[lnijherald]

I'm sure Jack knows what he is doing.

Luc

[SMP]

I'm sure Jack knows what he is doing.

Luc

I trust you will show it when you get it , Jack ?
Probably safe to say the net is original to the helmet

[Greg B]

I'd be happy just to find a net like that by it self, a real talker.

Greg

[Jack Dutton-Roberts]

First off excuse the long post...

I'll start with something that made me almost be sick. It made me think that some people don't have a clue!!! "Dear seller, can you send me a picture please of the helmet whitout the netting..." If pictures had appeared this would have been a great shame and I wouldn't have bid.

I think helmets like this really split opinion. On one hand and for me especially I think this is the type of helmet that really turns me on, historically speaking of course!!! It has absolutely everything I would expect to see from a helmet that it is feasible to describe as being combat worn. The heavy signs of wear, the battered net that has almost become part of the helmet and quite frankly the overall useage and abusage of the thing. The fact that it is 1942 fibre rim with stitched not rivet straps is completely academic. Helmets that show some history and are named (we'll have to wait and see!!) appeal to me the most.

...and on the other hand are those people who prefer their items in fresher condition and perhaps more representative of the majority of similar items either on the market or in collections. Of course I can understand concerns on condition and ideally it is better if an item isn't so battered but there was a war you know??!!?! I'd draw the line on Marcel's description though as I don't believe (I know I'll have to wait to see) that it is heavily pitted.

And if you think this was through the roof...what about this
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=330321788305
£1050 for a repainted all steel example with missing crash pad!!!! I remember 5/6 years back when these were only going for £400/500.

Anyway I'll post some pics up when it comes but the main reason for me buying it was the fact that I missed an orginal netted fibre rim 4 years ago and this was only the second I'd seen. To be honest perhaps some people may think I paid to much but I don't think so.

Thanks
Jack

[SMP]

Well said, Jack. I hope it turns out just as you hope.
The photos are poor , but it looks like the early felt block /rubber block liner. Do you have any further info on this ?
Great piece of history ! ( and much cheaper than the fibre-rims offered by MdT a while ago ).

Look forward to hearing more on this one in the future

Steve

P.S. Guess you will have to buy his backpack now

[lnijherald]

Here are some close ups.

[lnijherald]

2

[lnijherald]

It is a nice helmet, I'm just surprised to see someone spend serious cash with a seller with zero feedback. For me, that is a leap of faith too far.

Luc

[Gary Jucha]

Net

The net looks to be of a very similar weave/pattern to the proper WW2 scrim scarf design ..

Gary J.

[SMP]

Standard early-pattern net. Very early chinstrap with the larger friction rings and the extra stitch on the loop. An early fibre-rim.

[Mons 1914]

Completely agree with Jacks opinion the overall appearance is battered & well used clearly been untouched for years, maybe to much for some but a one looker for sure.

Scott

[Greg B]

Excellent pics luc, I definately like what I see in the ware and age consistancy between helmet and net and the dryness of the leather straps.

Certainly is a talker with that net and with the provenance thats likely to come with it and god knows what else may be attributed to it...is a risk I may of considered my self had I seen it.

PS if anybody has a spare early pattern net like this...please I beg of you...consider me

Greg

[sscrooge]

great looking lid, i had a bid myself on it and if i hadnt already bought two lids this week would have bid hell of a lot more, congrats rgds Dave

[gertje]

Congrats on this spectacular combat lid, Jack!

What kept me off was the zero feedback and the other auction from the same seller where he offered the airborne patches cut from a BD (in the photograph they were still affixed), so I became a bit suspicious.
I also thought the damage was through neglect in postwar years. The seller described an officer doing planning, so I figured not combat operations.

Originally netted early fibre rim with provenance to an officer in the First Airborne Division ....
The more I look at the pictures the more I feel like kicking myself.

This one just screams to be in an Arnhem collection
Marcel

[Jack Dutton-Roberts]

Helmet arrived this morning very nicely wrapped and with a letter from the soldier's son. I'll get some pics up tomorrow when it's nice and sunny outside. It's an absolute beauty though and took me by surprise as it looks a lot nicer in the flesh. The net is very firmly attached to the helmet and there is almost no pitting - I think what it looked like/what the seller described was the what seems to me quite thick coat of paint wearing away/deteriorating. The strap hasn't actually broken - it has only come apart at the point of stitching. 1942 BMB (size 7) marked as you would expect. It is named inside to Major N J L Field.

I'm going to be in conact with the son and hopefully the veteran so I can build up a nice chunk of research. Unfortunately I can't lay my hands on my copy of "Honour to the Airborne"!!!! Can anyone look him up for me whilst I get some photos up??

Thanks
Jack