Stirnpanzer for review

[Adler 1]

Imo the plate is ok, but as stated before, the straps are not good and the paint is post WW1.
Maybe the stamp isn't a "Z", but an "N"... I've seen one with an "N" before, so it may depend on the angle you're looking at it...
Maybe you can strip the paint off and end up with a good plate? Finding one with complete straps is the ultimate dream, but that can take several years... let's say it took me 3 decades to find a nice one with strap...

Adler 1

[Mike39]

Hi Joe
Straps are definitely no good. I'd like to see the plate sitting on a helmet ( maybe a 64 or a 66 ) to see how it looks. From your photos, the gauge looks about right and the finish, even with a recent repaint, has possibilities. But without clear maker markings.......I wouldn't get your hopes up.

Mike

[Joe Mc]

Hi Adler 1 and Mike,

Thanks for taking the time to reply to me. It's a shame about the straps and paint but at least the enable it to be displayed on a helmet. Removing paint from things is always scary, I've done it a lot with helmets and sometimes you original paint underneath that isn't touched by the chemical stripper but then other times the person who has painted it has sandblasted the life out of it before painting and then it just looks awful when stripped and I'm rubbish at painting.

You are quite correct, I think the Z could well be a N, that didn't even cross my mind.

Wow 3 decades to find one with the original strap, that is some dedication and I am glad that you eventually found one.

Regards,

Joe

[Adler 1]

Joe, why not strip the paint, it isn't original... you can only improve the thing. Get rid of the strap and even with only 10% original paint, it will be better than 95% not original paint...
Just my 2 cents of course...

Adler

[Tora_Tora_Tora!]

Hello Mate, please try to check the exact weight.....

[C. Roelens]

Joe, if you dig up one of my threads from several years ago I did exactly what Adler suggested to you.

I removed the reproduction straps and carefully stripped away several layers of post war paint. In the end it turned out to be an original manufactured by Krupp.

I personally, would not put anything reproduction into my collection. However, if you are happy with what you have leave it as is and display it.

Lastly, original plates, with originals straps are very rare, and, command a lot of money. I don't know what you traded for this plate, but if you made the trade thinking it was 100% original you might want to have a talk with the person you traded with.

Chuck

[Joe Mc]

Hi Adler,

I've cut my teeth chemically removing paint on many helmets so removing the paint is a possibility and if there's any original paint underneath I'm confident of not damaging it. My main concern is of its been "blasted" before painting it will look really bad. It would display quite nice as it is. The alternative is to just strip the paint where the marking are and expose them, if they are there and the Panzer hasn't been blasted I could remove the rest.

Hi Fab,

I hope all is ok mate, it's been a while. The exact weight is 2160 grams.

Hi Chuck,

I'll possibly strip it back or at least near the markings and hope for the best. It's good to hear that you had an original Krupp! I suppose it's better than always wondering if it is or if it isn't. I traded a dagger for this plate.

Thank you all for the input and advice, it's very much appreciated.

Best regards,

Joe

[Kengir]

I've got to agree that I'd prefer the purest and most unmolested items for my collection; even if that means strapless and paintless... It may be more appealing for a display as is; but the post war embellishments will always stick out to you.. The plate is ultimately yours to do with as you please and none here will think less of you no matter the ultimate decision you make.

-Jeremy

[Joe Mc]

I've got to agree that I'd prefer the purest and most unmolested items for my collection; even if that means strapless and paintless... It may be more appealing for a display as is; but the post war embellishments will always stick out to you.. The plate is ultimately yours to do with as you please and none here will think less of you no matter the ultimate decision you make.

-Jeremy

Hi Jeremy,

Thanks for the input.

I think the best way to go about it is to remove the paint from the rear for the time being. That way the markings can be exposed and the general condition can be assessed and decide how to proceed at that point.

Regards,

Joe

[C. Roelens]

Let us know how it goes Joe...

Chuck

[Joe Mc]

I certainly will Chuck

[Tora_Tora_Tora!]

Hi Fab,

I hope all is ok mate, it's been a while. The exact weight is 2160 grams.

All ok Mate! Thanks!
Oh...the weight could give a chance....
In any case better to follow what you wnat to do and will see!!!