Whitewash helmet

[Stephen Revill]

I don't want to appear blunt, but I can't believe anyone would consider that finish as original.

[Perry Floyd]

Also Del yours is white painted not whitewashed as mentioned earlier..
Here's and example out of another collection that is real. It was about 35% of the whitewash left. Notice how thin it is and the color change. Whitewash could be removed if necessary so one encountered today will have little of it left, I would be suspicious of a true whitwashed camo with 90%+ whitewash left as it was removed fairly easy..

[Del Panfini]

whitewash helmet

Yes I know that it is painted, I am only referring to whitewash because of it's color. It could be possible that at the time a soldier got a hold of white paint. It is obvious that it has been on there for a long time and when I handle it I get a white chalky film on my hands. I am not in denial here of anyones comments. I am just trying to figure out if it was done during the war or post war. Steven, if you have an original whitewash, please post a pic for me. Thanks, DEL

[C. Kleijn]

Hello Del,

Look at this link for an original white painted helmet:

http://daggers.infopop.net/2/OpenTop...5&m=4453085027

Cheers,
Cees

[Perry Floyd]

Del the white paint shouldn't leave anything on your hands when you handle it..

[ccmax]

Here is a whitewashed M42 that came from the Italian campaign. It is a size 68 shell.



But note how the wash turns towards a beige color over time.

[ccmax]

Ok, I know the forum is about German helmets but since the topic of the discussion is whitewash, a few pics of whitewashed M1 helmets could provide some good comparison points. Here are two original examples of camo M1 helmets, also worn in Italy. You can see how the finish is worn out on both, and how the color has changed with time.

[ccmax]

The previously posted M1 helmet also seems to have clay in some areas.

The following one also has the white coating:

[Perry Floyd]

Those are also good examples of what a whitewashed helmet would look like today..

[billh]

winter helmet

Sadly, I pretty much agree with the majority, but with the caveat that these are helmets that are very hard to judge by pictures. Your helmet is paint, not white wash which I think a plus as I don't think you see real whitewash lids except for those with only remnants of w/w. Most of white paint , at least that I've been able to play with, are poorly painted usually with pinpricks in the paint showing finish underneath. Rubbed eagles scare the poo out of me on these. I picture 7 bottles of wine and the thought that ' I want to hide, but at the same time I want people to see my eagle." Well, maybe after 7 bottles... Lastly. finish on top of lid not what you'd expect given that on sides. Again, these things always reward handling. Bill