Brand new vs battle worn?

[taikonaut]

There are some really fantastic helmets posted on this forum both battle worn and mint examples. What surprises me is some looks like they just came out of the factory.

What is people's preference, battle worn or unused?

For me I'm indoctrinated by what I saw on TV all those WW2 documentaries and seeing the helmets in action, they look worn and battle hardened and seeing examples like that you could say its been there so I favour the worn camp as long as it is not seriously damaged or rusted through neglect.

[Norman Hamilton]

This is like starting a oil thread on a motorcycles forum. Controversial....

[ROBB]

I dont think you have much choice as there are only a few mint ones around ( proper mint not estand mint) . Me I prefer 2nd hand . Rob

[sscrooge]

I prefer something that was actually worn and used in combat , rgds Dave

[findthehelmets]

i like minty single and double decal pots, and i like a bit of wear on my camo pots, but not too much.

[Bill Hermann]

My helmets have to show wear or I don't buy it. The history behind the item is so much more important than the item itself in my opinion. To hold a helmet in your hand that a soldier wore while fighting for His very life never ceases to amaze me. Bill

[Helmetluvva]

Hey guys, Lets be honest we'll take what we can get won't we? And i'm not just talking about helmets here!

[jacquesf]

I dont' like mint unissued helmets. They have to be battle worn with 100% decals to go into my collection. They are quite hard to find, especially ss, but that should be sorted in about a weeks time. More wear than that it has to have a history. Jacques

[jacquesf]

or this

[taikonaut]

Hi Jacquesf, are these from the battle of Monte Cassino

[jacquesf]

Hi Jacquesf, are these from the battle of Monte Cassino

No, the budget battle of the world wide net. Jacques

[BPA-Paul]

I allways prefer a nice combat worn piece , for it has much more character and historical value for me.

That been there look (helmets in action)... is unbeatable.

[Norman Hamilton]

Nothing like the feel of the soft leather in an un-issued helm....

[-Peters-]

Depends on the helmet. Mint can be just as awesome as battle worn, it's all about the characteristics of the helmet imo.

[Adam S.]

No, the budget battle of the world wide net. Jacques

LOL

I like a healthy mix of BOTH ends of the spectrum.