Luftschutz Helmet Converted to Feuerschutz Helmet for Ford Motor Company out of Köln

[Distelrath]

I just purchased this and am awaiting it in the mail. I have never seen a Luftschutz helmet with the band across the top, but here is one (or is it a French M26?) Better yet, it was for the firefighters out of the Ford plant in Cologne. It appears to be legit to me... what do you guys think? Did I get screwed for $135? If so, somebody went waay out of their way to make it look authentic. What do you think an item such as this would fetch on the open market? Do you like it? Any and all replies appreciated!

[Distelrath]

Well, not M26, but what do you make of the 2 holes in the Ford logo? Certainly looks luftschutz to me!

[Asbjoern]

The band on this helm is a standard commercial item which could be purchased at special dealers for firefighter equipment even in the late 50ies - just as helmets in the Luftschutz / WH stile, which where worn by most german firefighters until the 90ies!!
Especially small brigades at the countryside had a wild mixture of helmets, from converted wartime steel helmets up to new made special helmets in the old design.

Regards,

Jens

[Distelrath]

My bubble... you just popped it!

[Asbjoern]

Sorry for that ...ist was not my intention ! AND it does say nothing on its worth ! No matter if it was basically a Luftschutz helmet or new made for Ford, it seems to be a true historic artifact ... maybe much rarer as an original LS helmet and much more valued by FoMoCo collectors looking for anything linked with their company...

Regards,

Jens