FJ Helmet in E-Bay

[WalterB]

I just saw this helmet on E-Bay (I am attaching pictures below). It is currently at $2,125 and its reserve has not yet been met. I am trying to improve my analysis of FJ helmets, so please let me know if you have additional observations or disagree with my evaluation. My observations are as follows:

In terms of the E-Bay auction, the first thing I noticed is that it is a private auction. Strike 1. In the description, the seller mentions it is a size 71, so I know I need to proceed with caution. The helmet is a camo helmet and is described as having 80% of its single decal remaining. Likely, strike 2.

As for the helmet pictures, I see the following:

1. The back of the shell, I believe, displays a certain characteristic found in Czech reproductions:

[WalterB]

2. The liner itself is suspicious as well. First, the color of the leather I believe is off. In additon, the stamp markings are quite faint. I am sure there may be other specific things, but I guess what I am trying to say is that it doesn't have the feel of a truly worn authentic liner:

[WalterB]

3. Finally, the chinstraps. The first thing I do not like is the fact that the leather "puller" in the friction clip is a different color than the rest of the strap (perhaps I am wrong here). In addition, the button cover of the snap does not look authentic. Do the straps look too artificial?

[John Hodgin]

Walter, a different color "puller" isn't a problem in itself, (I have one that has a cordovan puller like some early chinstraps and jump boots) but the color of this one is strange. Isn't it odd that the bolts are so rusted, yet the grommet on the puller is silver?
Regards,
John

[Willi Z.]

Though the photos are taken in a manner to hide some of the details, the ones you can see are consistant with those found on the Czech repros.

Willi