SS Helmets

[Matt M]

We continue to see numerous SS helmets posted for opinion.
Almost all are fake
Some decent attempts, most just poor fakes.

I know a lot of new collectors want a real SS helmet
I understand that.

Stop and ask yourself how many of you have done some real research on the subject?
If you had you would not have wasted your time posting the helmets.

Another thing to consider a real SD SS helmet in nice condition is going to cost $5000 to $6000
Face it, that's what they are going for.

You might pull one out of the woodwork, but most likely you would not know if it was real.
Few and far between.

In the last month there have been several very nice examples on e-stand from reputable collectors.
One collector who I personally met was selling a pair at what I thought was a very reasonable price.
One lookers.
Not cheap but REAL.
You have to pay if you want play.

Ok rant over,
Have a good weekend

Matt

[FreeRange]

I am not new to antiques...but my little foray into Militaria has shown it to be a lot bigger and consequently more complicated than I had expected.

I am asking a lot of "basic" questions to help myself sort it out...and this is despite doing some initial research.

What may be evident to seasoned collectors and scholars of the era isn't to beginners. And then there is also the confusion of conflicting advice and opinions.

So please! Be patient with us newbies!

Besides...what else would we have to talk about?

[Paul.B.]

We continue to see numerous SS helmets posted for opinion.
Almost all are fake
Some decent attempts, most just poor fakes.

I know a lot of new collectors want a real SS helmet
I understand that.

Stop and ask yourself how many of you have done some real research on the subject?
If you had you would not have wasted your time posting the helmets.

Another thing to consider a real SD SS helmet in nice condition is going to cost $5000 to $6000
Face it, that's what they are going for.

You might pull one out of the woodwork, but most likely you would not know if it was real.
Few and far between.

In the last month there have been several very nice examples on e-stand from reputable collectors.
One collector who I personally met was selling a pair at what I thought was a very reasonable price.
One lookers.
Not cheap but REAL.
You have to pay if you want play.

Ok rant over,
Have a good weekend

Matt

99.9% belong in the "Is it real thread".

[SSamir]

Hi Matt,

I understand how you may feel. For some people it can be a little annoying. The "Is it real" question will always be posted here and I personally encourage it. SS helmets are not an easy study and most of us don't have the time as we have lives and responsibilities. Research alone won't gaurante you will obtain a genuine example, posting a helmet on the forum is highly recommended, especially an SS. It's a must in my opinion one should hear what all of us feel or think, especially highly experienced collectors. SS helmets are the most replicated helmets out of all the branches because of the high dollar they bring, so u can't blame them for posting. Personally, i'm always happy to help a fellow collector.

Regards
Samir

[Lou58]

Sorry Matt, but we are not all experts in every field, its ok if you solely collect one area of Military collectables, and you can focus on it 100%, but saying that we are in a age of many fakes, and over the years theses fakers are getting better at their job, and off course when it comes to "SS" items, your'e looking at big, big buck's, so for me I am very happy for any member to post up anything to do with SS, plus for me I keep on learning from every fake that is put up for discussion.

Also it gets pretty hard when you collect every thing from uniforms, equipment, weapons and so on, and I can say for me I am no expert in knowing every thing, so I really rely on Forums like this so I wont do my hard earn dollars.

So remember that if we want new generation off collectors coming in when the markets are flood with so many fakes, they wont be burnt so badly that they throw in their new hobby before it started.

Anyway my soap box moment,

Lou

[SSamir]

Sorry Matt, but we are not all experts in every field, its ok if you solely collect one area of Military collectables, and you can focus on it 100%, but saying that we are in a age of many fakes, and over the years theses fakers are getting better at their job, and off course when it comes to "SS" items, your'e looking at big, big buck's, so for me I am very happy for any member to post up anything to do with SS, plus for me I keep on learning from every fake that is put up for discussion.

Also it gets pretty hard when you collect every thing from uniforms, equipment, weapons and so on, and I can say for me I am no expert in knowing every thing, so I really rely on Forums like this so I wont do my hard earn dollars.

So remember that if we want new generation off collectors coming in when the markets are flood with so many fakes, they wont be burnt so badly that they throw in their new hobby before it started.

Anyway my soap box moment,

Lou

Hi Lou,

I also collect SS insignia, mostly tabs and CT's, but 99% of the time I don't know what the hell i'm looking at, so I asked the SS insignia guys for help. Like you said, you can't be 100% focused on all fields of this game, personally I think it's virtually impossible.

Regards
Samir

[Asper]

Hi Matt,

I understand how you may feel. For some people it can be a little annoying. The "Is it real" question will always be posted here and I personally encourage it. SS helmets are not an easy study and most of us don't have the time as we have lives and responsibilities. Research alone won't gaurante you will obtain a genuine example, posting a helmet on the forum is highly recommended, especially an SS. It's a must in my opinion one should hear what all of us feel or think, especially highly experienced collectors. SS helmets are the most replicated helmets out of all the branches because of the high dollar they bring, so u can't blame them for posting. Personally, i'm always happy to help a fellow collector.

Regards
Samir

Exactly, and this applies to all militaria. If you're gonna pay $5k+ For a lid it doesn't hurt to ask the community for opinions. Estand is IMO a great place to shop, but should not be the boundary for collectors without the knowledge or confidence. When time allows I'm always willing to help folks within my areas of knowledge.

[nlmedic]

Let's be honost.... It's not like the boobies forum: just sqeeze to find the fakes

So we all agree: keep posting!!!

[Daniel.S]

I know a lot of new collectors want a real SS helmet
I understand that.

No, most just wants to score a super deal so they can buy cheap and sell for much more.

Im sure that most of those who post SS helmets for opinion arent even helmet collectors.

[Willi Z.]

No, most just wants to score a super deal so they can buy cheap and sell for much more.

Im sure that most of those who post SS helmets for opinion arent even helmet collectors.

Exactly! And it is the same for FJ helmets. I have no problem with people asking questions if they are seriously interested. But then, I also expect some good faith effort to do your own research at first. I do ask questions in the many areas of this hobby I am not familair with, but never do that without first doing some of my own research. Learning who to listen to is one the first things my dad taught me as child, but he was a very wise man.

When I see an obviously bogus poor quality fake DD M38 FJ helmet I know the poster did not even do the most basic effort in trying to find out for themselves if it was real. Most of those threads are 'gold digger' questions and not those who are serious.

I do see both sides of the argument, but can tell the difference between a novice who wants to learn and one who doesn't.......

[Willi Z.]

That is why we started the pinned "it is real" thread above and I will merge obvious fakes in that thread when I see them and get the chance. And I encourage people to post helmets/ decals for review. BUT, others need to check that thread as well and help with the questions, or there is no value in trying to have such a thread.

[Vito Patel]

One does not have to look too far to find the "Gold Diggers" over your shoulder and to the right.