West German border Guard Helmet

[jeff6tharmy]

Hi Gents,

Been reading the threads for awhile in an effort to better learn the variations and how to authenticate helmets. I've learned a lot and thoroughly enjoy the expertise shown here. I unfortunately have little to offer and am still learning from youse guys. I understand the basics and have seen most of the variations but I don't believe I've ever seen a West German border example. Does anyone have a well photographed example they could share?? I understand they do not have any maker or other interior markings, is that correct?? Thanks for the education.

[mr slug]

Hi , welcome aboad !
That is a pretty good start knowing that the helmet has no markings, they are rarely marked by the fakers because the steel is too hard to be struck easily. In any event, a moderately experienced collector would know in an instant because of the shape.

Easiest thing to spot are the vent holes in the side. These are pressed out and very large compared with wartime production. Then look at the side view, and study the shape. The later postwar types have a slightly enlarged or higher forehead area. I believe also that the three liner mounting holes are higher up the dome on post war shells............the liners are dead easy to tell, they are adjustable and have extra sweat holes in the forehead area.

Watch out, these are often fitted out with repro liners, painted and decaled up
and offered as original. I spotted a heer and a LW on ebay germany last week. If I see them again I will post pictures as I have no pictures of my own, hope this helps a little.

Good luck with your hobby ! regards Mr Slug.

[jeff6tharmy]

West German Border Guard Helmet

Mr. Slug,

Thanks, that's exactly the kind of info I'm in need of. Not sure I've seen one at the gunshows I frequent, but there are a bunch of the silly Spanish styles these folks try to pass off. THanks for the education, look forward to any pix you can post.

[Joe]

I've got a West German Border Guard helmet. That's marked Q64 on the side skirt. It doesn't have any marking on the back of the skirt.

[Joe]

West German

[Joe]

.

[Joe]

..

[Joe]

...

[Joe]

Here's a West German with No Vents.

[Joe]

,

[Joe]

This one's marked on the back skirt

[jeff6tharmy]

West German Border Guard Helmet

Awesome replies!! Always another variation to learn from. THe info I had regarding not generally being marked was from German-helmet.com, seems to be a pretty authoritative site. Thanks for expanding the envelope!!

[Dale B]

Hello, Just wanting to know, about the Q-64 marked Border guard helmet. About what year or years of Mfg. do you think those helmets were made? And what would one in that condition cost??

Thanks for any info. Dale B.

[Joe]

Dale
I've had that helmet several years. I paid $40 back then. I'm not sure what they're going for now. You might check ebay & see if there's any selling.

[mr slug]

F*ked up helmet on ebay

Jeff,

Here you go,

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Stahlhelm-Wehr...QQcmdZViewItem

Paint job, repro liner, heer decal..........and 'Bobs your uncle !'

( then you find out that he is actually your auntie)

Regards Mr Slug.