Value of Unusal Volkstrum Helmet

[zzman]

I just wanted to share this helmet with the forum and get some opinions as to its value.

Helmet Background: This helmet was "liberated" by my uncle sometime between March - April 1945 in Western Germany. His unit (the 5th ESB) was setting up a supply point in an abdoned factory when they came under fire. After a short battle his unit went to survey the damage and my uncle took the helmet off of a set of remains. The helmet was taken back to the US where it sat in his garage until his death a few years ago when I claimed it.


Helmet Specifics: Helmet is a WWI vintage with a WWII liner in it. Helmet has Whermact Eagles on both sides (not applied very well). I do know the eagles were on the helmet when it was captured. I replaced the chinstrap on the helmet because the old one had fallen off. My uncle also spilled a little bit of paint on the helmet as well as a little bit of some kind of substance on the liner.

Thanks,
Ben

[zzman]

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[zzman]

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[zzman]

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[zzman]

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[Ty Smith]

Interesting.
I think this will be a popular topic,.

[Edelweiss]

Interesting.
I think this will be a popular topic,.

Because of one of the decals, or of the way both were applied ?


Doh !

[bodes]

The decals are different styles of Wehrmacht adlers.....That leads me to believe IF both original, they were applied at different times.....I have to admit I really like the looks of the headless bird but not totally convinced on the other one....Maybe just the picture, but don't see the silver flecking.....Bodes

[JuanS]

From the pictures of the liner is difficult to know, but the dark spots may be Blood?


Juan

[zzman]

Here are a couple more pics of the headed eagle. It does have the silver flecking it. The flecking just doesn't show up in the photos as my camera is not the best. As for the stains on the liner I don't think it is blood my aunt mentioned that my uncle spilled some type of car care product on the liner, so I think that is what the stain is.

Ben

[zzman]

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[bodes]

zzman, I see the silver tone better in those pics....You know the history, so I'm sure the decals are legit....I also think Juan may be correct....The stains in the liner do resemble blood... Bodes

[zzman]

Any idea on a value??


Ben

[Jim McCauley]

Hello Ben,

I like the helmet (less the chinstrap). It does have some problems. Paint splashes, non-standard decal placement (this will scare some buyers away), one controversial decal and stains in the liner. Still I think you can value it in the $350 - $400 range and could possibly get more.

Hope this helps.
Best regards.

Jim

[bodes]

Hello Ben,

I like the helmet (less the chinstrap). It does have some problems. Paint splashes, non-standard decal placement (this will scare some buyers away), one controversial decal and stains in the liner. Still I think you can value it in the $350 - $400 range and could possibly get more.

Hope this helps.
Best regards.

Jim

I agree with Jim....$350-$450....Might take some time to move though 'cuz of the reasons mentioned......Bodes