Is this helmet a keeper?

[Willi Z.]

Steve, that would make for an interesting discussion.

How do we know for sure?

Again, observed examples have to be the guiding factor. Some of the latest issue FJ helmets still had decals. Those with slotted steel bolts, those with the late style of chinstrap buckle. Not all of course, but some. You also find some with steel spanners and later bolts without decals.

I would agree that most of the mint FJ helmets that I have seen have no decals. Especially those slate-gray examples with the mixture of slotted ventilated aluminum and slotted steel bolts.

I have also seen a number of mint helmets that had decals. Most have slotted aluminum bolts. So, we can't asumme they were made before the order to remove the decal was given.

Good topic...

[Frentebro]

I recall another helmet forum where the owner boasted that he had "taken apart hundreds of them", including FJs...