Slovak M32/34 Opinions Sought

[Maple Creek]

I've been offered this Slovakian M32/34 helmet by another forum member. He bought it from one the most trustworthy dealers around. I trust both sources, but these helmets have been widely faked and expertly faked, however, so I thought I'd run this by other forum members before I have my collector friend ship this off. Any thoughts?

One anomaly of this helmet is that the cross appears only on one side. On authentic versions that I've seen the crosses appear on both sides. In addition, in the only period photo that I've been able to find (in Marzetti's book) the crosses are positioned between the two rivits on the sides. Since these were done by hand, however, I suppose there was a fair bit of variation in how the crosses and blue bands were applied.

If anybody knows how to reach Peter Suciu, I really welcome his opinion. He's the only person that I know who has studied these helmets, but I'm sure there are others in the forum who would have informed opinions.

[Maple Creek]

photo

photo

[Maple Creek]

detail

detail

[TVD]

hello,
what is the original color of the helmet? Blue or green/brown ?
If it is green/brown, what does the blue ring stands for?
regards
TVD

[Dennis S]

I had a friend who made a couple of these for his own consumption in the late 70's. He was of Slovak heritage and made them for display(before the Wall fell} and he knew there was no chance of finding a real one. When he got out of collecting. (TR Daggers) He surely got rid of them. I am not sure where they went. He was an honest guy and most likely sold them for what they were( repaints) , but who knows after that. That's the problem with fooling around with stuff even without bad intentions. I know he made his with masking tape. I can't remeber if he hand painted or sprayed. I don't know how the originals were done , but if a piece of masking tape( American standard size )fits perfectly between the two arms of the cross . I would bet , thats how it was done. Just from the photos it appears masking tape was used. Just to add a little more to the mix his helmets would be about 40 years old now. To really be sure if these are original one would need to know what method was used to paint the originals for a start.

ps. If the price is the same as an unaltered one than its a moot point .

[Paolo Marzetti]

Mark, good looking that helmet, but hard to say if it is good of the time or not.

Considering the stencils were artisanally made ,many variations do exist.
Bye, PaoloM

[TVD]

hallo,
I have the same slovak M32/34 helmet.
The helmet is in the same blue color( no other colors or insignia), like shown in the picture.
Was blue the original color of the helmet?
regards,
TVD

[Paolo Marzetti]

The helmet was in the colour of the one shown on the Mark's pictures.
PaoloM