Wehrmacht Helmet - Real or Fake

[rankfilm]

Hello all,

Is there anyway to tell if this m35 shell is legit?

I would like to add it to my modest collection but only if it's the real deal.

Can anyone with a keener eye than myself make out the decals?

The stud at the back also appears to be off center, is this normal?

Thanks in advance for any help or advice.

[Mark in Cleveland, Tn.]

Helmet is good, rivets and washers, added on

[rankfilm]

Thanks for the reply, much appreciated - are there any tell tale signs that the helmet is real as I can't see any stamps.

Also, any idea about the decals?

Thanks again

[John G.]

The air bushings (vents) are gone from the shell.... the "decals" really require a "straight on" photo with natural light and great focus.... for any real guess, but mine is Army & tricolor shields assuming the traces are original.
John G.

[rankfilm]

Hi John G, thanks for the input. Does the lack of air bushings effect whether the helmet can be deemed real or not or does the lack of them just make it difficult to determine the decals of the side?

Thanks

[rankfilm]

I decided against the helmet as they could find any markings on the underside of the rim.

This one is also for sale and looks like it has the an embossed air vent - would this make it a M1940?

The guy selling it thinks he can make out the following on the right side, close to the edge, about 1 cm from the edge and about 3.5 cm apart a U and H.

Does this mean anything to anyone.

[John G.]

Yes, it's an M40 shell. The "U.H." markings would NOT be anything found on a German helmet, but obviously the rust has obscured whatever marking it had.

I realize a "good" helmet is pricey, but I'd save my money.... these rust buckets are of little collectibility IMO, and are basically worthless.... I don't know your age or income, but you can still find reasonably priced helmets with a little effort.... and at least you have something worth collecting.

I'd pass on these type dug relics....
John G.

[eindhoven]

I would never own one of these given the very possibility of where they are being sourced from. I'd save my money as well. There are better options available. Especially in your country.

Buyer beware

[rlimike]

I agree with member eindhoven ... that photo says a 1000 words. hopefully Mr. Gottlieb does not know where that grave site is.

[Mark in Cleveland, Tn.]

Oh man rlmike,, excellent **take** on Mr. C.Gottlieb..for those that are in the **know**