Navy/SNLF Helmet Purchase Question and Legitimacy.

[Prinsworth]

Hey,

I recently picked up a Navy/SNLF Helmet online. (Was marketed as SNLF)
And I have some questions of if it is legitimate or if there are any red flags.
I do know my way around a Type 90 to an extent but this was a last minute purchase, a gamble.
But a second glance over would be nice as I am new to Helmet collecting.

The background to this helmet is that It just came from another UK Collector that bought it roughly 35-40 Years ago.
He sold other items too which were all legitimate from his collection which was a pushing point in my purchase.

If possible I would be interested in an estimated ball park price this could sell for. If it all turns out positive.



Now I have been wondering If I have made a really good purchase or a really crappy one.
As to my knowledge this is in decent condition.
It is a darker colour to the naked eye. Flash really brings out the colour a bit too much.



I did read in another thread that such green colour helmets did exist.
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru....php?p=5747221
It also shares this odd blue spot on the helmet badge.
The painting seems to share the right kind of pattern of other helmets.
Around the base area and over the top from the brush marks.
But it does seem possible it has had more than one coat.



There are no markings inside the shell. But small remains of some kind of sticker maybe?



Sorry of this images are not too great.
Phones are not quite there yet.
Thank you.

[gunto]

I followed the helmet on ebay.
I think its painted OD post war.
Is the badge made of brass?

[Prinsworth]

I followed the helmet on ebay.
I think its painted OD post war.
Is the badge made of brass?

OD? Brass I have no clue. That may seem silly but that is because it is. I can tell if larger objects are brass but I'm not going to lick it.
The entire thing is solid as can be. No wiggle or movement, but the prongs on the back look like they have been shortened.

[gunto]

Olive drab.

[Prinsworth]

Here is a closer look at some chipped areas.

[Striking 9th]

The badge is a good brass example. You can even see some verdigris starting to materialize. Badge legs are broken. Shell painted post war IMO.

[Paul G]

The badge is a good brass example. You can even see some verdigris starting to materialize. Badge legs are broken. Shell painted post war IMO.

This is what I am seeing as well!

PG-

[Stu W]

The badge is a good brass example. You can even see some verdigris starting to materialize. Badge legs are broken. Shell painted post war IMO.

I agree.

Regards,
Stu

[Prinsworth]

Are the brass emblems any more valuable than other materials such as bronze or steel versions?

I guess I may just be breaking even or have room for small profit in the resale area but I really have no clue. I paid £138/$214 for the helmet. (Though If another bidder did not jump in it would had only been $105.)

If there is no clear profit It will spend time in my collection as I intended until I can upgrade from it down the road. But that may be some time since I cannot handle my lust for a decent Shin-Gunto. I want one so bad I would wrap it in a binbag and shove it in my ass so I would become one with the sword.

I do appreciate the information and opinions you guys give as a pretty new collector many details I find on these forums are very hard to find stumbling about online. Many are undermentioned or just non-existent.

[Stu W]

...

But that may be some time since I cannot handle my lust for a decent Shin-Gunto. I want one so bad I ...

Shin-gunto are readily available so you should post photos of your intended purchase before committing funds. They are reproduced and if you don't know what you are looking at you may fall victim to a scammer. If a seller will not allow you to take pictures then walk away till you find one who will.

Till then take some time to review the information offered at these two links.

http://www.h4.dion.ne.jp/~t-ohmura/gunto_002.htm

and

http://home.earthlink.net/~steinrl/nihonto.htm

Regards,
Stu