Spike Helmet Help

[GHP]

I've had a helmet where a bullet passed through the body from side to side and they patched the helmet, and re-issued it, blackening the interior shell and undersides of the visors.

Sheesh ... how'd you like to be the landser who received it "second hand?"

--Guy

[Hoss]

Hi Ron,

The black finished underside of the visors to me is indicative of an arsenal re-work helmet. Looks like they plugged old holes from a possible cruciform spike base as well, as pzrwst pointed out.

I've seen several of these "arsenal re-work helmets" over the years, and they always seem to have the interior of the shell and the undersides of the visors blackened.

The arsenals/re-work shops would take damaged helmets, and also re-use the older style taller body helmets, cut them down to current regulation size, put new visors on them, put new liners in them, and re-do the exterior finish on helmet shell.

I've had a helmet where a bullet passed through the body from side to side and they patched the helmet, and re-issued it, blackening the interior shell and undersides of the visors.

Your chinstrap is clearly a reproduction as you mention. It's possible the kokardes could be originals, but without seeing the backsides, and handling them in person, it's hard to judge for certain.

All the Best,

Alan

Alan
Love a lesson on original v reproduction Kokardes I used to look at white paint for signs of cracking and ageing is this now considered unreliable? and fallen back on rust and signs of wear, I've never known for sure 100%.

Eric

[pzrwest]

Any idea what was used to fill the holes?

[Chip M]

The Kokarden look fine to me.

Chip

[Adler 1]

Hi Ron,

The black finished underside of the visors to me is indicative of an arsenal re-work helmet. Looks like they plugged old holes from a possible cruciform spike base as well, as pzrwst pointed out.

I've seen several of these "arsenal re-work helmets" over the years, and they always seem to have the interior of the shell and the undersides of the visors blackened.

The arsenals/re-work shops would take damaged helmets, and also re-use the older style taller body helmets, cut them down to current regulation size, put new visors on them, put new liners in them, and re-do the exterior finish on helmet shell.

I've had a helmet where a bullet passed through the body from side to side and they patched the helmet, and re-issued it, blackening the interior shell and undersides of the visors.

Your chinstrap is clearly a reproduction as you mention. It's possible the kokardes could be originals, but without seeing the backsides, and handling them in person, it's hard to judge for certain.

All the Best,

Alan

I agree...

Adler 1

[ROBB]

A very interesting PH and some great info . Rob

[RonR]

Many thanks to all for the great help!

Best regards,