WSS paranoia

[Edelweiss]

Here's a new pic I made today, but unfortunately, I'm afraid the guy's level was obviously far below the level of his equipment... (if ever the previous pic wasn't a good enough evidence of this fact !)

[Ty Smith]

Definetly a late war CKL stamp in the rear. I guess those stamps weren't working so well in 1944 and 1945. I guess they had other things to worry about too.

[Edelweiss]

Ty, you're going to tell me something now : how do you know this stamp is in the rear with such a photo ?
Do you read in fish's guts, or were the CKL stamps always in the rear on M.42s ?

[darryl-P]

Chris,
In the last few years of the war, helmets were stamped in the rear with the maker/size stamp as well as the planchet reference number.

[Edelweiss]

Yes of course, but it's not an absolute rule on M42s (I know some exceptions), so I think Ty reads in guts... Don't you, Ty ?

BTW, you didn't answer my question, Darryl : does this mark brings water to your decal theory ? Was your CKL answer in direct relation with the decal ???

[darryl-P]

Chris,
The rule is absolute after a certain time period. Earlier M42 helmets did still have the maker/size stamped into the side of the apron.

Yes, the CKL maker code just adds more credence to the theory.

[Edelweiss]

I'm happy of that. When will your thesis be published ?
Yes, I know the answer and its obviouses reasons too... Too sad, really.

As everybody asked for it, here's the lid :

[darryl-P]

Chris,
Thanks...however, it's not only my theory. It's been discussed for a little while now among SS helmet collectors. Thanks also for the complete pic of your helmet...it's a nice example of a late war M42 with the dark green paint. BTW, here's another way you can tell a CKL shell...notice the dimple (almost looks like a dent) on the front part of the apron?...that's a good sign that it's a CKL. There should be one on the other side too.

[Edelweiss]

Let me have a look at my dictionary... Dimple, dimple...
Ah, yes, I see what you mean. And one more thing learned today ! Thanks. Very interesting... Many others like this in your reserve ?
No, no other dimple on the other side, or very, very discrete ; but this one is really obvious and counts for two, I guess.

[Edelweiss]

I forgot I had the other side's view...