Berndorfer Helmet on Ebay

[LeeM]

I first posted this on the International Forum and it was suggested that I post it here. Ebay item 2268819723 (sorry but I don't know how to link). Original liner configuration and strap. Repainted gray and white. What do you camo guys think of the paint? Some type of WWI camo or post war repaint for another use/country?

Lee

[Ken B.]

Here's the link:


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...e=STRK:MEWA:IT

[LeeM]

Thanks Ken

[Ken B.]

Don't know if the paint is good or not but, it's up to over $1500. Way out of league!

[Ken B.]

God Dam. It ended at a bit over 2K. A bidding war I see!

[Rolf D.]

What the heck is it? German? What country? Just a wierd helmet, and I saw it at $1.00!!!

[KoCook]

What the heck is it? German? What country? Just a wierd helmet, and I saw it at $1.00!!!

Ken Niewiarowicz should know---


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[Ken B.]

It's Austrian. The round device on top is to afix a frontal metal plate. It connected at the top with a strap then wrapped around the middle where it flares out.

[Peter_Suciu]

What the heck is it? German? What country? Just a wierd helmet, and I saw it at $1.00!!!

It is an Austrian WWI helmet. It was a unique helmet developed by the Austrians that had nothing to do with the German helmet design.

These are uncommon if not exactly rare. I personally didn't like the paint. I think you can certainly find a nice original for under $2000.

[LeeM]

I was very curious about the paint, and like Peter have doubts that the paint is of WWI vintage, but I just don't know. The same seller had a standard Austrian WWI (M16 type) with that same gray or blue gray paint but without the white. No doubt they came from the same source. My guess is that the helmets were used post WWI and the paint is from 1920's-1930's. But a guess is all it is. The liner and strap configuration are correct for WWI Berndorfers. So I would say if the paint is of WWI vintage, the helmet is one of a kind and was a steal at that price.

Lee

[Peter_Suciu]

I was very curious about the paint, and like Peter have doubts that the paint is of WWI vintage, but I just don't know. The same seller had a standard Austrian WWI (M16 type) with that same gray or blue gray paint but without the white. No doubt they came from the same source. My guess is that the helmets were used post WWI and the paint is from 1920's-1930's. But a guess is all it is. The liner and strap configuration are correct for WWI Berndorfers. So I would say if the paint is of WWI vintage, the helmet is one of a kind and was a steal at that price.

The gray paint could be Polish from the 1930s but just as likely could be from some previous owner in the 1950s. The way the helmets are painted makes me dubious.

I have a few post-WWI helmets that were reissued. I have a Portuguese helmet that was repainted green and a Finnish helmet that has gray paint, and was likely used by Poland. These helmets look like they were repainted professionally for military purposes. Those Austrian helmets don't have that look.

[Donald L.]

I didn't see the German pattern Austrian helmet, but was able to see the Berndorfer. The paint was not convincing as to a WW1 application, though the suspension looked completely original.
Don