MEdic helmet

[Peter v L]

We will not come any further here, I still stand by my opinion, and I still say the helmet have to be examined by hand............

Cheers

Peter v L

[Willi Z.]

Everyone has made some excellent points. And I most certainly agree with Peter in that an item needs to be handled in person, to be as sure as one can. I will say that helmets such as a medic's helmet are one of the rarest, most easily fiddled with and the hardest to authenicate. But, they seem to be showing up all the time now. And many just don't seem right. What doesn't "seem right" is always hard to put into words. But, those who see 100's of untouched helmets each year can see when something is wrong. I wouldn't call them experts. But, they do have a stronger sense for when something doesn't look right. I know some swear by and some who swear at the whole veteran's connection. But, that has spoiled many, myself included. Seeing untouched items for more than 30 years has given me an eye that most new collectors will never have the chance to develop, in today's internet driven collecting world. I usually notice that there is often something wrong with so many items "found" today. That means I know when to walk away from an item. Does that mean I always know for sure? Of course not. Does that mean I can always put into words what I see? Of course not. Does that mean I might pass up on a super piece? Yes, it does. Does that mean I have seen it all? Of course not. Does that mean my opinion is based on life's experiences, as it relates to this hobby? Yes, it does. My initial impression is my gut felling...and I go by that.

And yes, provenance does matter. It matters to most respected and advanced collectors. Whether we like it or not, it is the way of the future in this hobby. And nwer collectors should be scared, there is alot to be scared about in this hobby. The new guys are the ones being ripped off. Not the advanced guys who have secret trading circles and pass around the best items. Dealing with items that never leave those circles. Yes, the new guys have it very tough. The hobby wouldn't be fun if it were so easy to just pick and click a collection.

Back to medic's helmets. The only one that I liked convincingly is the one Cody bought. I knew the collection that it came out of and have held it in my hands. Plus, the wear patterns, based on the photos (don't think it is part of this thread) looked convincing. I felt pretty good (but not absolutely convinced), based on the photos, about John's helmet. Based on the photos, as I have stated before, I don't like the one that Jan posted. And, based on the photos, I don't like the one that is the subject of this thread. Things just don't "look right" on both of those.....and it is only an opinion. Comes down to wear patterns on all components not blending together properly for that "right look". Some let that drive their collecting, some don't. I am sure all those helmets will sell.

Willi

[Rolf D.]

They're every where!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...category=36046

[Willi Z.]

Yes, they are everywhere. Almost though. They are not in most advanced collections. Because they always have been, and remain, exceptionally rare. But, they all sell........and to newer collectors.

Willi

[Ty Smith]

I have no doubts that the one on Ebay is bad.