First helmet, a Luft SD M40

[Mr.Qtip]

First post, and this is my first war relic, outside of my firearm collection that is. I picked this up at a gunshow from a guy that deals in Nazi relics and collectibles. I gave $600 for it, and to the best of my ability I believe it's real.

Looking for opinions on authenticity, price, or anything else. I know it's nothing special compared to some of the lids out there, but I'm super excited to have such and awesome piece of history!

[WalterB]

First post, and this is my first war relic, outside of my firearm collection that is. I picked this up at a gunshow from a guy that deals in Nazi relics and collectibles. I gave $600 for it, and to the best of my ability I believe it's real.

Looking for opinions on authenticity, price, or anything else. I know it's nothing special compared to some of the lids out there, but I'm super excited to have such and awesome piece of history!

Welcome to the fascinating world of WWII German combat helmet collecting! As a caveat, it is highly addictive. You have done well for yourself with respect to your first helmet. The shell, decal and liner are authentic and looks unmessed with. $600 is a fair price (some may argue a tad above market, some may argue a tad below). One thing is certain, the helmet is a tangible, real piece of history. All in all, well done!

One piece of advice, leave the helmet as is. Don't clean it or oil it -- I write this keeping in mind that you are a firearms collector and your instinct will be to apply oil in order to prevent rust --- don't do it! Leave the helmet in a dry place at room temperature and away from direct sunlight and it should survive for future caretakers of history.

Good luck and welcome to the club.

[panzer1432]

Nice Helmet...Go Blue !

[Normandy]

Very nice looking helmet, congratulations on your first and welcome!

[eubank]

Well done, a very nice choice !

[coloradocowboy]

A great first helmet. Congrats

[scotty1418]

Steep price in today's market, but a solid example that stands out.

[Schwerpunkt]

Nice

[Bill Hermann]

Congrats and welcome to helmet collectors anonymous, a group that supports and encourages other addicts of history! Regards, Bill

[Mr.Qtip]

Welcome to the fascinating world of WWII German combat helmet collecting! As a caveat, it is highly addictive. You have done well for yourself with respect to your first helmet. The shell, decal and liner are authentic and looks unmessed with. $600 is a fair price (some may argue a tad above market, some may argue a tad below). One thing is certain, the helmet is a tangible, real piece of history. All in all, well done!

One piece of advice, leave the helmet as is. Don't clean it or oil it -- I write this keeping in mind that you are a firearms collector and your instinct will be to apply oil in order to prevent rust --- don't do it! Leave the helmet in a dry place at room temperature and away from direct sunlight and it should survive for future caretakers of history.

Good luck and welcome to the club.

Thank you all for welcoming me to the forum!

WalterB, Thank you! I'm happy to hear that the helmet is indeed all original. Thanks for the pointers and not cleaning or oiling the helmet, thankfully I knew better. I'll keep the helmet with all of my other collectibles in a dry, dark, temperature stable room at 45-50% RH to keep rust and mildew from occurring.

I'm happy with the price that I paid, even if it is above market according to some. I've already been looking at more helmets and other relics, this is going to be one addicting and expensive hobby!