Droop Tail DD FJ Helmet?

[Mark C.]

Just found a litttle antique shop down the road ,was referred to by some co-workers that know I collect WW2 stuff.Gentleman seems honest enough ,knows his stuff and I bought a few items cheap also shown on this forum and they were said to be legit.After I bought these he pulls out a Para shell.I know buy the item not the story but it adds to my question.He says its a DD Droop Tail Full chickenwire para it also has the thick bailing wire around the shell and one across the top.Never seen this configuration on any helmet.Size says ET71 which didnt look like a good strike to me.He says he got it from a guy in Crete.Are there any Droop Tail DD Paras at all? I have never seen or heard of one.He said i can take pics and I plan to and post them here soon,seems like he has nothing to hide ,I am afraid he got taken and believes its real.

[W Petz]

Pictures will tell the rest of the story!! Bill

Just found a litttle antique shop down the road ,was referred to by some co-workers that know I collect WW2 stuff.Gentleman seems honest enough ,knows his stuff and I bought a few items cheap also shown on this forum and they were said to be legit.After I bought these he pulls out a Para shell.I know buy the item not the story but it adds to my question.He says its a DD Droop Tail Full chickenwire para it also has the thick bailing wire around the shell and one across the top.Never seen this configuration on any helmet.Size says ET71 which didnt look like a good strike to me.He says he got it from a guy in Crete.Are there any Droop Tail DD Paras at all? I have never seen or heard of one.He said i can take pics and I plan to and post them here soon,seems like he has nothing to hide ,I am afraid he got taken and believes its real.

[Willi Z.]

M38 and M37 helmets may have that eagle. Sounds fishy. Photos will be the decisive factor.

[Eric Queen]

I would say the M36 or M37 rework (with M38 liner/straps in most cases) is theoretically a posibility, but the bailing wire (on a helmet picked up on Crete) would throw me. I think the first place to start is the shell. Does it have the 4 slots of the M36 or 2 slots of the M37 cut in the shell? If so, I would say its worth taking a closer look at. If not, I think I would conclude that the piece cannot be good. I personally do not believe that a M38 or M40 shell with a first model "down tail" eagle is a possibility.

EQ

[Mark C.]

I would say the M36 or M37 rework (with M38 liner/straps in most cases) is theoretically a posibility, but the bailing wire (on a helmet picked up on Crete) would throw me. I think the first place to start is the shell. Does it have the 4 slots of the M36 or 2 slots of the M37 cut in the shell? If so, I would say its worth taking a closer look at. If not, I think I would conclude that the piece cannot be good. I personally do not believe that a M38 or M40 shell with a first model "down tail" eagle is a possibility.

EQ

it does not have the slots its a 38 shell thats also why I think the lid is bogus but i an going to take pics soon and post them.

[Mike39]

Very unlikely that anything in the form of a Para helmet came off Crete as a souvenir during the war. The locals didn't want to be caught with anything German & the Troops evacuating the Island (a) weren't allowed to souvinir them & (b) they weren't carrying out anything more than was essential for their survival. Any items from Crete that I've seen have been small such as paper work, personal items, badges, titles, gravity knives, small arms & ammo etc.
As mentioned above, very unlikely to have chicken wire applied ( unless fitted post Crete ) & although not impossible it would have to be either a M36 or M37 to justify the droop tail. So probably a fantasy helmet from the Eastern block or if your lucky you might have just found the Holy Grail.

Mike

[Mark C.]

thanks for all the insight ,this website is the best.I am going to take pictures within the next couple of says and am interested in what you guys think.I highly doubt myself that its real with my limited knowledge and I really appreciate all the input.Thanks again