I am puzzled...

[clint-magnum]

nothing wrong !
nice museum piece ( if you know what I mean )

[SMP]

nothing wrong !
nice museum piece ( if you know what I mean )

I don't know what you mean

I like the liner and straps. I am not sure about the rest. What do you like/dislike about it ? Can we go into details?

Regards,
Steve

[Yannis]

I know what Clint means, it's in a museum

I am puzzled by the liner thread (too white), the absence of a stamping line on the rim and don't know what to think about the wire...

[Chris]

In the only close-up of the wire (#6), I see no convincing evidence that the wire has been on there for any length of time. The dust effect is a simple matter of 2-3 minutes work with weathering agents available in any model railroading shop. Please take it out into direct sunlight and get some close-ups of the wire around the helmet, especially the dome area. After 65 years, wire leaves very distinctive telltale wear on paint. It certainly isn't a one-looker to me, but the lighting and the lack of photos of wire-on-paint may be hurting the initial impression.

[Yannis]

Chris
I appreciate your input.
I will try to get these photos from the seller as I do not have it in hands.

Is this the only area of concern for you?

[Chris]

What I see of the liner does not thrill me. I think at a minimum it is restitched, possibly new leather as well. It's not a helmet I would rush to the cash register with.

[Gerd W.]

What I see of the liner does not thrill me. I think at a minimum it is restitched, possibly new leather as well. It's not a helmet I would rush to the cash register with.

Not all museums pieces are 100% period, some are restored, some got a tuning...... Buddy, kick that one back into the corner.

I think Chris is right on the money with his opinion (liner restitched/ wire bad).

[John Hodgin]

Agree with Chris and Gerd on this one Yannis. A lot more than just the liner stitching and the wire looks contrived. The rust inside the edge of the rim is not natural, and lack of surface wear to the rust on the wire looks totally wrong, that is, it is fresh.

[Yannis]

Thank you my friends for your opinions!
Suffice it to say that my previous doubts are fast becoming certainties.
I've already emailed for more photos of the wire and the liner and will post them as soon as I have them.
Even if this proves to be a dud still they will serve an educational purpose I hope?

John, in your opinion the new rust on the rim and absence of surface wear (fresh rust) on the wire, could they be a product of poor display conditions? The helmet in question is displayed in a very humid area, close to the sea.

[John Hodgin]

John, in your opinion the new rust on the rim and absence of surface wear (fresh rust) on the wire, could they be a product of poor display conditions? The helmet in question is displayed in a very humid area, close to the sea.

Perhaps Yannis, but for this to be an accepted explanation, the helmet would to have been handled little, if at all. Proceed with extreme caution!

Once owned a German WWII weapon that had been previously stored at coastal Florida. It had suffered rusting of the sea air, but the rust still had a worn patina from handling. Can't imaging letting a fine helmet be subject to the same humid conditions.
Best,
John

[Larry F.]

I'm on the fence on this one..............

I'd like to see a complete liner shot. I find it interesting in shot 6 is the wear to the eagle exactly where the wire rests. Sure, this could be faked.

I also like the way the wire and helmet shell have reacted but could be weatherd to look this way no doubt. Nice "ghosting" though. Someone took great care when applying the wire. Question is....when.

Questions: Does the serial number area looked scrubbed? Does the interior of the shell look pitted? Could the flash from the camera make the stitching look white? What do the bolts/nuts look like inside?

As Chris said, outdoor photo's are a must and plenty of them.

Good luck Yannis!

Best,
Larry

[Perry Floyd]

I would agree with John and Chris, my advice would be to pass on it.

[Larry F.]

When I look at this example I used to own and compare it to the subject at hand, I have now have made my mind up. Pass..............

[Willi Z.]

Though half-basket wire exhibits age and wears differently, IMO, I certainly share the concerns of others on this one. Since the wire on half-basket helmets, especially on FJ helmets, is so tight and it usually attached to another wire I think the "appearance" rules are different though. Again IMO.

I agree on the liner. And, I too would like to see closeups of the wire in better light.

[Gerd W.]

When I look at this example I used to own and compare it to the subject at hand, I have now have made my mind up. Pass..............

That's a one looker Larry!