SS M35 for $3250????

[bodes]

Just took a gander at Bill Shea's helmets he has up for sale. One is an M35 single decal that was once a double. (He states he doesn't know why the removal of the 2nd decal? WTF? Is he joking?) But back to my question. Will somebody pay that kind of money for a single decal ss, even if it is real? I have an M42 which is about equivalant in paint and decal but really don't believe I can fetch any where near that kind of money. Any imput?

[Elvis]

I personally feel it is at least $750 more than I would consider paying. But Bill is notoriously higher because your get that "awesome lifetime guarantee".

[Perry Floyd]

Because it's rare to find a SS helmet where the party shield has been removed or painted over like you see so many Heer and Luft. helmets. I'm of the opinion the regulations ordering the removal of the national colors was viewed differently or not adhered to by the SS, the low amount of SS examples with the party shield painted over or removed clearly shows something different was done regarding the SS..

This is why a big emphasis was but on the removal in the description..

[bodes]

That's quickly remedied by a helmet cover. Maybe the guy was a good(as well as a smart) soldier. But change that to an M40, it's still not worth the price of admission.

[Ty Smith]

I think that helmet is worth that (for dealer prices) Has anyone ever seen (a real) reissued DD SS, with just the runes decal. This is the FIRST example I have ever seen. It seems most, if not all, reissued DD kept the party shield.

I think all original SS helmets are reaching these prices. Just my thoughts.

[Perry Floyd]

That's quickly remedied by a helmet cover. Maybe the guy was a good(as well as a smart) soldier. But change that to an M40, it's still not worth the price of admission.

I don't think the SS cover was the remedy for the regulation ordering the removal of the national colors. The SS were on a different page concerning this compared to their other counterparts..

[BobI]

Hi Guys,
Well, I am a dealer and find myself paying large sums for real SS lids. The price just keeps going up over the last 25 years. However, the rate of increase has been much higher in recent times for SS helmets. I think the reason is, try finding an original. If I did not have a pile of Japanese swords I am after I would consider buying this one. I agree Bill has high prices, although it is worth it, because you do not need to worry about authenticity when buying from him. Anyway, I am almost tempted to buy it and stick it in my closet for a year. I am 110% sure you could make a nice profit in that time span!
Best Wishes,
Bob

[Oregon]

SS helmets are commanding crazy money these days and Uncle Bill will have no difficulty selling this helmet. Over two years ago I paid more than what Bill is asking for a WSS M-40sd. Real SS helmets are not an everyday commodity and too many collectors are simply breathless to acquire an example in any condition.


Cody

[bodes]

The reason the party emblem was removed was suposed to be for camouflaged purposes(national emblem on the army/luftwaffe helmets). My point on the helmet cover was, it kept them from needing to. We all know the SS was given the lions share of equipment (including helmet covers and the like). So it goes to reason, they didn't need to bother with removal. If you say the ss was given special treatment, then why were so many helmets surviving the war with decals in tact. All services(including the ss) were ordered to have ALL decals removed in 1943 for the duration of the war. All services(including the army and air force) didn't always adhere to such regulations.

[Ty Smith]

I was actually surprised Bill didn't want more for it. I suspect it may be already sold. I remember him selling a very worn M40 single decal two years ago for $2800. That surprised me.

[Elvis]

I was rather lucky. This beaut had a unmessed with liner and strap. Not only that it cost $1200 to boot.

[TMurray]

I agree. The party decal was removed as it wouldve stood out like 'dog's balls'' out in the field by anyone wearing this lid. Nice lid but ..OUCH!!! pinch me again

[bodes]

Nice helmet Elvis. Looks closely related to my M42 SS. Is it an ET marked shell?

[Ty Smith]

Elvis, I expect that shell to be marked EF

That is a very nice one. It talks to you

[bodes]

Or is that an F on mine too. Hard to make out. Weakly stamped on the bottom half and a little worn. Sure looks a lot like Elvis' though.