m42 chin strap fake or original?

[randywrap]

Hi the pervious owner of a helmet i bought on estand asked me to put this chin strap up for!! your opinions? Thanks !!!

[randywrap]

pic 2

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p3

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p4

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p5

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p6

[blackadder]

looks like a nice mid / late war to me !

[mr slug]

looks like a nice mid / late war to me !

I am not so sure B.A., Your right in that it is a mid / late war type strap, and the buckle looks very convincing, and I have not seen a painted grey buckle on a repro ( thats not to say that they don't exist).

However, those are superb close up shots and seem to reveal signs of artificial ageing on the leather. The stamp is that of a well known east European copy, as well as an authentic TR produced example.

I believe it is possible that this could be a rebuilt strap. An original buckle salvaged from a rotted or broken chinstrap, and sewn into a repro strap.

Just a thought to consider, and by no means a definative answer.

regards Mr Slug.

[floriskok]

Good one IMO,however, it looks like the markings have been brushed away with some sand paper?!!