Are SS helmets rare?

[Federico Perez]

The black DD RZM-SS helmet with its original three pad liner and chinstrap is indeed rare and to some like my self extreamly desiderable. If one take in consideration that this was a transitional helmet made under contract to the SS in what appears to be small numbers, the fact that is a "property marked" SS-RZM...the only steel helmet with that detail, if one can find it in its original prewar configuration AS issue to the Allg-SS for parade/guard duty..is a big..BIG plus and rarity. Most of these where reissue to other dutys like civil defence, etc....meaning that they where striped of the SS decals, repaint and in most cases the WWI type liner was replaced with a M-31 type....leaving the stamped SS-RZM markings as the only direct connection/use by the SS. Because all the above, that this piece survived in a relatively nice shape and untouched make it even more desiderable in the field of SS helmets...in my very personal opinion of course.

IF I had the money for this level of purchase for the collection....that helmet would have been on my way....I think that if memory serve me well, this particular helmet was also unit marked in one of the liner pads....and also that this came from the fabulous black SS helmet collection of Darryl-P, which was latter sold by BOB-I of Collector to Collector militaria....in fact Bob sold most of the helmets if not all from Darryl-P.

[DougB]

....in fact Bob sold most of the helmets if not all from Darryl-P.

Not all.

[fader107]

Where is the "show us your rate SS helmet " thread ??

[mark65.026]

The black DD RZM-SS helmet with its original three pad liner and chinstrap is indeed rare and to some like my self extreamly desiderable. If one take in consideration that this was a transitional helmet made under contract to the SS in what appears to be small numbers, the fact that is a "property marked" SS-RZM...the only steel helmet with that detail, if one can find it in its original prewar configuration AS issue to the Allg-SS for parade/guard duty..is a big..BIG plus and rarity. Most of these where reissue to other dutys like civil defence, etc....meaning that they where striped of the SS decals, repaint and in most cases the WWI type liner was replaced with a M-31 type....leaving the stamped SS-RZM markings as the only direct connection/use by the SS. Because all the above, that this piece survived in a relatively nice shape and untouched make it even more desiderable in the field of SS helmets...in my very personal opinion of course.

IF I had the money for this level of purchase for the collection....that helmet would have been on my way....I think that if memory serve me well, this particular helmet was also unit marked in one of the liner pads....and also that this came from the fabulous black SS helmet collection of Darryl-P, which was latter sold by BOB-I of Collector to Collector militaria....in fact Bob sold most of the helmets if not all from Darryl-P.

Check German Helmets Inc- Ken N first up listing 7.5k
Regards Mark.

[merdock]

Rarity does not determine value.

Very true,
SS Pith helmets are very rare much more than steel ones but the prices are low because few have seen one and most people don't want one.
Mark

[codytrcollector]

Well I suppose it's all subjective then. Rare compared to what? I guess it is hard to generalise unless your referring to a specific model or type. Yes I guess M35 DD and M40/42 single decal SS lids are readily available at any given time, in collectors circles and good dealers sites. Are real SS buckets rare in any configuration on the bottom end of the earth where I am? You bet. Is it rare to find a real one in a antique shop or ebay? Yes very rare. My appoligies for my 2 cents on a very subjective question. I guess in what context needs to be clear. I am very protective of my 2 common SS lids took along time to find the right ones at the right time money permitting. Johnno.

Everyone is in entitled to their opinion, no need to apologize. I am also glad to hear you've been able to obtain two examples...good things come to those who wait.

[BrianK]

Very true,
SS Pith helmets are very rare much more than steel ones but the prices are low because few have seen one and most people don't want one.
Mark

I want one.

[Federico Perez]

Check German Helmets Inc- Ken N first up listing 7.5k
Regards Mark.

Thanks for the info. but the helmet listed is not an DD SS-RZM contract helmet, in fact Ken example is listed as a WW1 reissue M-18 model which is incorrect, I belive that one is a M-17....or "late M-16". Also it have hadpainted shields, which was as stated a practice in the formative years of the SS and before regulation decals where the final form.

In the case of handpainted shield instead of decals, I am not a fan unles it have a super bulletproof provenance with period photographic evidence of the helmet...for me these specimens are quite a leap of faith...besides in my personal collector taste I prefer standard use decals. Of note...I am NOT passing opinion of any kind on the helmet been offered by Ken N.

[helmuthunter]

Everyone is in entitled to their opinion, no need to apologize. I am also glad to hear you've been able to obtain two examples...good things come to those who wait.

[Perry Floyd]

SS helmets are scarce, only a few types are really rare, although in the long term of German helmet collecting I think they will still always perform well, nice, unmolested examples that is..

[fader107]

I take it this would be a rare SS ..

[SSamir]

Assuming one had the funds, would the Alg. SS RZM double decal helmet be a rare type and a good buy at $24,500?

I would say its a fair price. SS RZM helmets are rare, decaled ones are even more rare and highly desirable. How often do u see a DD SS RZM helmet come up for sale? when was the last time you seen one up for sale? Personally, if I had deep pockets, I would go for it. I think it would make a great long term investment.

Regards
Samir

[SSamir]

I take it this would be a rare SS ..

I remember this photo. Interesting pic indeed. Looks like a hand painted decal to me.

[helmuthunter]

Great pic ! Thanks for sharing it. Never seen that one. Now that is what you call "rare"...

[BobI]

SS helmets are super common! Real SS helmets are a bit harder to find. Their rarity is deceptive since the Internet came around. At this current period of time they would seem more common then they are but there are reasons for that. A few years back you could not find them at shows or on the Internet. I would rate them between scarce to rare. At a Max show a few years back besides Bill Shea's wall there was only 1 real SS helmet in the show. I don't know why I did not buy it, Chris J. bought it before I could return for it.
Bob