Help with deciding on a helmet

[Kaput]

Hey guys I just found this forum and I'm happy to see it looks quite active and filled with Info. So anyways I'm deciding on starting a collection of my favorite era, and more specifically.. German WWII memorabilia. So I'm really looking into purchasing a helmet but the problem is I can't figure out which to get (the m35, m40, or m42). I do know the differences of them but my question is which is considered to be the more popular and more sought after helmet I guess you can say. Do people and enthusiasts alike prefer the flare out look of the m42 or the "rolled in" look of the m35. I know it's more personal opinion for which to pick but I'd really like to hear what you guys think to help in making my decision. Thanks again guys

[Mark in Cleveland, Tn.]

I prefer the M-35 & M-40, the last model M-42 ehhhhhh!

As for buying your first helmet,Good luck!!! Many, many redo's fakes,nonsense and garbage all over.

[John G.]

If you are truely a collector, it shouldn't matter. Eventually you want AT LEAST ONE of every style and decal possibilities.... condition and originality should be your only consideration..(and price...of course)

In answer to you question.... Each style represents a particular "Era" within the 3rd Reich.... (just for example)

The early "Transitional" M16/17/18 helmets with gloss paint and double decals
Same, w/single decals & combat paint
The M35 helmet with gloss paint and double decals
the M35 helmet later issue "Combat paint" w/single decal (occassionally w/DD)
M35 helmet reissued w/combat paint and no decals
M40 helmet w/combat paint & Single decal
M40 helmets w/double decals (Polz. & others)
M40 helmets w/out decal
M42 helmets w/single decals
M42 helmets w/DDs (Polz. & others)
M42 helmets w/out decals
M-16/17/18 reissues for Volksstrum & latewar w/Single decals or no decals
ALL Camo. painted helmets...

Personally.... I like them "all".....(but a classic "single decal M40" probably would be most collectors "1st choice".
John G.

[Kaput]

Thank you both very much for your input. But yes like you said john, I'm eventually going to want to get all of them but as for a first choice to start off with I'm looking to start with the most iconic German helmet during the era. That's my personal preference at least. And I basically was hoping to get a couple of opinions on which helmet is "that" iconic helmet of the German military (of the choices I gave of course). So it seems as if the consensus is leaning more toward the "rolled in" look of the helmets rather than the outward look that the m42 has.