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I'm not sure why your helmet is up "for discussion". It is clearly an original. The only thing this helmet is missing is the original leather for the chinstrap (which you have pieces of), the original issue drawstring (try finding one now adays), and one original rivet. The camo paint is original. The liner is complete, original, and in really good condition.
Veteran's were known to use schalack, varnish. etc. to preserve the paint on both US and German helmets of WWI. It's the collector's preference whether he or she likes it or not, but; it doesn't change the fact that this is still a rare collectable helmet that will continue to rise in value.
This helmet gets a
from me, and is fairly priced.
Chuck -
So Chuck what's the story with the liner cord? It's leather, are you saying the originals were not leather?
I don't know the answer I assumed the one in the helmet was as issued. If not I think it was replaced by the German who wore it as it's as aged as the rest of the leather.
As for the coating vets and collectors apply I as a collector would rather avoid it but I can't help but feel that the coatings will be preserving the paint for a future time say 500 to 2000 years from now for generations who might not otherwise see it with their own eyes after the paint just oxidizes right off the surface of the helmets.
W.Comment
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W.,
I have not seen an original WWI German steel helmet offered for sale with an original issue drawstring in many years. In fact, I've purchased only two helmets in 35 years, with, what is believed to be an original issue drawstring. The drawstring in an original WWI German steel combat helmet is made of a cloth like material which I believe is cotton. Recently, ebay of all places, a helmet came up for auction, item 120316861122, that looks to be 100% complete and original. The auction was ended quickly... I imagine someone made him an offer he could not refuse. The leather drawstring in your helmet is most likely an original period replacement, or used from a leather helmet. There is nothing wrong with it.
The clear coating is what it is... there's nothing bad about that either.
ChuckComment
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Chuck, I'd be interested in seeing an example of what you consider to be an original issue drawstring. I believe that it's highly likely that the first helmets were issued with leather drawstrings. This is based on my observation that every square dip helmet I've seen that was complete with its original liner had a leather drawstring, regardless of whether this was the prototype or standard M16 liner. I doubt that these are all replacements. I've found no solid information yet that would confirm either of our assumptions.
Below is an example of the type I've encountered most often, in all helmet models. Twisted string versions also show up in helmets from time to time.
HansComment
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Hans,Originally posted by Hans K. View Post
You are correct, there is no documentation (that I know of) that would clarify whether the early steel helmets were issued with a cotton or leather drawstring. It makes perfect sense that some of the early steel helmets were issued with a leather drawstring. I've seen both. Thinking back now, a couple of years ago I sold a 100% complete untouched early M16 camo that in fact had a leather drawstring. I never gave it a second thought. Next time I'll choose my wording more carefully.
The drawstring you have pictured is what I've found in the majority of original WWI German steel helmets except the camo I mentioned above. I've got another untouched early steel helmet coming in next week with a drawstring as you have pictured.
ChuckComment
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It makes sense that the early ones were issued with leather. If they had had enough the Germans would have liked to issue so much more in leather. I really think the leather in my helmet is period at least and I got a gut feeling it was the original issue string.
W.Comment
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Still waiting for the word. If not a gentleman from Belgium wants it.Originally posted by Charles A. Roel View PostI agree. Did you sell the helmet?
W.Comment
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