M40 Heer SD Opinions Please

[stgeorge64]

Attached are some photographs of a single decal Heer M40 which I would be interested in hearing some feedback on (I know very little on this subject!), particularly as to originalty and price. The shell is stamped SE62 on the inside left and 597 or 507 on the rear. The chinstrap is marked "Wallisch & Co. Wien 1942". Your help will be much appreciated.
Regards Richard.

[Jim McCauley]

Attached are some photographs of a single decal Heer M40 which I would be interested in hearing some feedback on (I know very little on this subject!), particularly as to originalty and price. The shell is stamped SE62 on the inside left and 597 or 507 on the rear. The chinstrap is marked "Wallisch & Co. Wien 1942". Your help will be much appreciated.
Regards Richard.

Greetings Richard,

Chin strap is post war reproduction. Decal is too far gone (and blurry) to give an opinion on. While the helmet shell and liner appear original, the liner may be a replacement based on the condition of the helmet shell.

Best regards.

Jim

[david carlson]

Hi, Richard:

The helmet sure looks like a reissued, repainted M35 with a war-time replacement liner that has the later zinc liner band. Except for the chinstrap, it looks 100 percent OK to me.

I think you have a nice helmet there.

David

[Ty Smith]

I think the liner is original but I do not think this is an untouched example. The chinstrap is likely bad as is the liner string.
The shell looks like it may have been post war painted and then paint removed. To me the wear to the decal looks as if it has been scrubbed to get to the decal. Really tough to tell by the photos, though. With that brass rivit makes me more curious. It would be interesting to know what the liner band is dated too. The brass rivets were used early in the war.

[Perry Floyd]

It's a M40, more than likely SE maker as these look like M35's from a distance. Not 100% sure on wether that liner is original to that shell. If it's honest it's hiding it and I would need to inspect it. But from those pics I wouldn't bother. My opinion though..

[stgeorge64]

M40 Opinions

Gentlemen, thank you very much for your input on the said helmet, it is much appreciated. I have attached 5 more photos showing the decal, pins and stampings and I would appreciate some further debate as to whether the decal is original and if the liner is original to the shell also. I look forward to hearing from you again soon.
Regards Richard.

[Perry Floyd]

I feel the liner may have been replaced as previously stated, I would wait for a better example.

[SgtB]

Hi Richard

That pretty much covers it. The authenticity of the decal is a tough
call from these pics, but everything else is either replaced or repainted
anyway so IMO you should pass on it.

[stgeorge64]

M40 Opinions

Gentlemen, thank you again for your input and feedback concerning the said helmet. The helmet actually belongs to a good friend of mine who purchased it from a very well known dealer in England, (who incidently sold the item as an untouched example!) but wanted to hear the opinions of dedicated collectors and enthusiasts as the seeds of doubt had been sown. He has said he will actually now remove the liner and chinstrap and sell the shell on it's own merit. Thanks again.
Regards Richard.

[Perry Floyd]

I would suggest to your friend not to do that. All we have to go on are those few pictures. I feel it stands a good chance from what I see in the pictures that the liner is a replacement...but this may not be and my conclusion could be wrong. Don't disassemble something or smash it with a hammer untill someone can inspect it first hand that knows helmets..

[Jan B]

Richard, what is he planning to do with the liner then? IMO I would sell it as a 'post-war rebuilt helmet with original parts'( if indeed the case) exept the chinstrap! Or beter, ask the dealer for a refund!

just a thought

Cheers
Jan

[stgeorge64]

M40 SD Helmet

As the helmet does not owe my friend a great deal of money, I think he has just taken the decision to be rid of it without a monetry loss. He indicated he will probably sell the liner and chinstrap on e-bay (aiming towards battle re-enactors) and then try to get a good price for the shell. At the end of the day it is his helmet and his choice, however I think he is more hacked off with the dealer who sold it to him more than anything else. Thanks again for your help and time.
Regards Richard.