DAK steel helmet?

[ROBB]

but look at the crazing and patina.

Hmm well it must be real if it has crazing patina and scuffs ?

[sisifo]

Hmm well it must be real if it has crazing patina and scuffs ?

lol...

[pavels_2005]

Hi all,

thanks for the details. As I am not helmet expert could you please explain what is wrong with the helmet?

I can understand that the decals are strange and hand painted. But what about the rest?

Is the color OK? Or is the helmet completely new repainted?
What about the chinstrap- OK or not?
What about the liner? OK or not?

More opinions welcome. Thanks a lot.
Pavel

[Stepdale]

Hi Pavel,
I'm not a helmet collector either, though I have dug a few out of the woodwork over the years, so I'll try to give you some advice and not just make fun of the item. I know you are collecting mostly Gablonz medals and badges, but like me, always trying to learn more about the items you run into while collecting.

The paint is definitely a newer repaint on what I believe is an original shell. The color is not the same as that on original DAK helmets, and neither is the texture. There is also no believable wear or patina to a helmet that should have seen either extensive use in a desert environment or have a patina from being over 75 years old. The painted decals are also very poor attempts to mimic what originals would have looked like.

I believe the liner and chinstrap are originals, though it would take more detailed photos of each and any markings to confirm this. At the very least, the liner was either removed from the original shell or more likely added later as the rivets are painted the same as the shell, i.e., they show no wear or patina just like the shell.

So overall, I believe it is a repainted original shell with a replaced liner and chinstrap. Others here should be able to give you a better assessment and point out any errors I've made. Also, you can use the search function and check for DAK helmets in this subforum whenever you get some time, or contact a knowledgeable DAK collector like NZMark for their advice - I don't know him at all, but from looking at his postings I get the impression that he a very friendly and helpful collector. Hopefully he won't mind me using his name in this situation.

Keep up the good work you've accomplished on Gablonz medal and badge makers; I know you're going to solve more of the mysteries that remain in that area.
Dale

[Bill Hermann]

Hi Pavel,

The shell is original but the paint and decal isn't. Notice the air vents, you will see they have been sanded to give the impression of wear , this is an exceptionally bad job one of the worst I've ever seen at faking wear.
The liner and chinstrap are original IMO, the liner looks like it may have been a Norwegian reissue.
Regards,
Bill

[Stepdale]

Thanks, Bill, I caught the liner pins (which I mistakenly called rivets) but not the air vents. Thank you for helping Pavel and me learn.
Dale

[ENGLISH BOB]

A chamber pot,but take that liner out first

Sorry

Bob

[Euronymous]

Easy to see it's a fake !

[pavels_2005]

Hi Dale,

nice to see you in helmet section :-) and thanks a lot for your explanation - you know I am not helmet expert. I have an acces to an collection where good items are mixed with questionable pieces so I better check to not make any mistake.

Thanks also to others for the details.

Best regards
Pavel