Want to buy my first helmet

[Golheim]

I need some help. I wish to buy my first helmet. I gather double decal heer helmets and Luftwaffe helmets are the most sought after. I collect because I love it, but wouldn't mind if my collection appreciates in value over the years. Why were some helmets made with only one decal. What can you reccommend for a first helmet purchase. A paratrooper helmet? ha ha ha

Thanks in advance

[Elvis]

Double decals and SS prices are up there now. You can't go wrong with a M40/42 heer for a first helmet. Just be sure to post picks before you buy.

Erik

[PaulKaizer]

For info on ww2 German helmets please have a look here:
http://www.german-helmets.come

The website contains lots of information about the 'Stahlhelm', but as always...it's recommended to get your hands on some proper reference books

I think everyone has an different opinion about what the best helmet to start with should be. It's a matter of taste, interests etc ... but always very very important....the MONEY you wish to spend to be an addict on a drug with no risks of an overdose . PLEASE reconsider...there's no way back...

Greetz

Paul

[Golheim]

Thanks all

Thanks all. Neat website on helmets. BUT TOOOO late i am an addict.

[Iron Cross]

Golheim,

For you to buy your first helmet you need to study how the decals where made, because today there are many many good fakes, the 2 decal helmet is much more expensive than the single decal because it´s rarer ok?
you should buy a M42 Single deal helmet(STUDY THE DECALS IN ALL WAYS POSSIBLE!!!!!!)
You should visit web-sites that can provide you good information about this matter.
and don´t forget to post pictures of the helmet that you wish to buy!!

Regards
Adriano Vanni<SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_313978", true); </SCRIPT>

[Iron Cross]

the paratrooper helmet in good conditions is very expensive, but in my way of thinking you should spend your money only on good items ok???(even it´s expensive,because if you spend much money for a very good item you won´t need to worry about it ok? but be carefull be shure that the item that you wish to buy is original!!)

[Golheim]

thanks Iron Cross

Does a m42 helmet mean it was made in 1942

[Dave Kane]

This subject has been discussed, argued and mulled over forever! However, I have played with this stuff for better than 40 years and afterall, I will, with a clear conscience offer this advise.....buy QUALITY....and if you own only one thing, it will always have value and ofcourse your PRIDE in owning it!

Go for the best...spend the most money ( it will catch up ) and you will then have a piece to be proud of and one you may sell at any time.

My position is not accepted by a lot of folks and ofcourse I started out collecting EVERYTHING German but afterall it is the FINE items that bring the best return....OWNERSHIP aswell as RETURN!

Dave

[Derek O.]

This subject has been discussed, argued and mulled over forever! However, I have played with this stuff for better than 40 years and afterall, I will, with a clear conscience offer this advise.....buy QUALITY....and if you own only one thing, it will always have value and ofcourse your PRIDE in owning it!

Go for the best...spend the most money ( it will catch up ) and you will then have a piece to be proud of and one you may sell at any time.

My position is not accepted by a lot of folks and ofcourse I started out collecting EVERYTHING German but afterall it is the FINE items that bring the best return....OWNERSHIP aswell as RETURN!

Dave

I'm with Dave too. I would only buy what is in nice shape and something that I know someone would buy in a heartbeat if I were to sell it. Go for the best your wallet can take, you won't regret it down the road. The M40 or M42 SD Heer or Luft series of helmets would be a great place to start, Luft's are considerably cheaper so if money is a factor, that would be a good start. Good luck!

[Dave Kane]

Derek, I suspect you are wise beyond your years!

There is such a level of 'romance' with this stuff that maintains a false market wherein the common stuff sells....but really doesn't appreciate.

Dave

[william r match]

Golheim,


100% behind Daves sentiments. Aim for the best example you can afford and if you cannot afford it save for it . Of the standard helmet, M35s are the most collectable combat piece, especially the double decal early issues. Service branch, camo, unit/soldiers ID and provenance issues all affect price.

Fjs are in a realm of their own and are also a wise collectable to have. Again the aforementioned variables will greatly influence price. There are also helmets such as a Waffen M40 DD that are an exception to the rule. All these pieces have, do and will continue to command high bucks.

Assuming all the time that we are talking about an example with everything present, undamaged and in a nicely worn condition but yet exuding high decal coverage and paint content.

Presently late Luftwaffe DD M35s are about the most affordable and can be acquired at a good price with a bit of effort. Who knows, you may even prise some black magic of our Canadian colleague at the very top end of the market!!

Set your sets high, allow for windage & yardage then knock that target down.


Do not try to get rich quick however. Purchase the good reference guides, Baer, Le Casque Allemand etc and make full use of this and similar forums prior to any financial outlay.

Could not agree more with Dave, better to have one example of quality that you enjoy and that will always be easy released, than several that nag at your collecting conscience


Billy

[Joe Martin]

I'm more interested in lids with a history that look like they have been used and even abused. Not so much for the resale value. Of course, any lid can have stratches on it but if it came from an estate sale or another type of vet purchase, I'd be into it. I'll save the mint examples for when I can afford them.

With my M1's, the mint examples I've owned got little respect compared to those lids purchased at estate sales. But I guess there are exceptions and since I'm fairly new to the German side of the hobby, I should never say never. Ten years from now I may own a mint SS.

Joe

[Perry Floyd]

Helmets are like art (especially camo's) it takes several things in combination with another to make very desirable helmets. Condition, Honesty, Patina, Color or Color's, Branch, Provenance are big players. The best helmets may not allways be near mint, they have killer looks. Collect what you think is the best and try to grasp the eye for what it takes to make a helmet fall into the upper-crust catagory. You have to have a eye for what makes a winner...

[Jean-Loup]

"What can you reccommend for a first helmet purchase."
Buy what YOU want to buy. Its your collection, and your money. Buy the piece that attracts you most. And since you seem to note have much knleage about helmets yet, you should try getting your very first ones from a very trustworthy source.
JL

[Golheim]

Thanks guys

All good points to consider. I am leaning towards a double decal heer helmet. I guess I can afford about $1,300 on a lid. (DONT TELL MY WIFE)