Questionable Camos
- Thread starter M45
- Start date
M45
Well-known member
M38 woodchip camo
M38 WOODCHIP CAMO
http://www.therupturedduck.com/WebPages/Steelhelmets/h299a.htm
H-299a Fantastic Woodchip Camouflage Model 1938 Paratrooper Helmet
This example has an amazing woodchip camouflage finish that remains nearly fully intact! It has a very rough texture to which a tan and green finish has been added. These remains an outstanding 98% intact and would rate among the top five Paratrooper helmet exteriors I’ve ever owned! I have now owned over 950 Paras so I do take this ranking seriously. It has the First Style spanner bolts which are still totally covered by the camouflage scheme. These have never ever been touched. You have to see it in person to believe it! It is just gorgeous. Now, moving to the interior, which unfortunately has not fared as well as the exterior. It looks like it may have been exposed to moisture as there is some minor surface rust around the lower skirt and some corrosion on the linerband. The brown leather liner is discolored and missing some pieces. The liner does show signs of wear from use, with moderate scuffing to the lower edge and wear by the harness. All of this, of course, happened before the damage from exposure so this saw quite a bit of action! Overall, I will rate the leather as fair because I wish to be conservative. What remains of the liner is quite soft still. The same is true for the harness, which is missing a small piece off of one end, and is somewhat fragile with evidence of one repair. All of the liner pads are intact. Most of this would not be seen while the helmet was on display. The shell is stamped on the side of the interior “ET 68”, which indicates this helmet was produced by Eisenhuttenwerke of Thale (which was the exclusive maker of Paratrooper shells during the course of the war) in the size of 68. The rear of the skirt is stamped with the production lot number of “1337”, indicating this shell was most likely produced some time in 1942. A fabulous looking helmet that will make for a quite impressive display piece!
$21,000.00
M38 WOODCHIP CAMO
http://www.therupturedduck.com/WebPages/Steelhelmets/h299a.htm
H-299a Fantastic Woodchip Camouflage Model 1938 Paratrooper Helmet
This example has an amazing woodchip camouflage finish that remains nearly fully intact! It has a very rough texture to which a tan and green finish has been added. These remains an outstanding 98% intact and would rate among the top five Paratrooper helmet exteriors I’ve ever owned! I have now owned over 950 Paras so I do take this ranking seriously. It has the First Style spanner bolts which are still totally covered by the camouflage scheme. These have never ever been touched. You have to see it in person to believe it! It is just gorgeous. Now, moving to the interior, which unfortunately has not fared as well as the exterior. It looks like it may have been exposed to moisture as there is some minor surface rust around the lower skirt and some corrosion on the linerband. The brown leather liner is discolored and missing some pieces. The liner does show signs of wear from use, with moderate scuffing to the lower edge and wear by the harness. All of this, of course, happened before the damage from exposure so this saw quite a bit of action! Overall, I will rate the leather as fair because I wish to be conservative. What remains of the liner is quite soft still. The same is true for the harness, which is missing a small piece off of one end, and is somewhat fragile with evidence of one repair. All of the liner pads are intact. Most of this would not be seen while the helmet was on display. The shell is stamped on the side of the interior “ET 68”, which indicates this helmet was produced by Eisenhuttenwerke of Thale (which was the exclusive maker of Paratrooper shells during the course of the war) in the size of 68. The rear of the skirt is stamped with the production lot number of “1337”, indicating this shell was most likely produced some time in 1942. A fabulous looking helmet that will make for a quite impressive display piece!
$21,000.00
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mauser99
Senior Member
an M38 with a rotted out liner and if the paint and decal were under 60% you would have a hard time getting 3k for it. But, have someone with talent camo and woodchip it for you then !!!!! 21K sounds like a good price to me... 
Its called bend over and receive..... The price is F*cking nuts !
Its called bend over and receive..... The price is F*cking nuts !
M45
Well-known member
Medic m42
Medic M42
ebay item # 161252547823
This looks like one of those 'Latvian-Connection' helmets. They have that characteristic dark green interior and chemically induced wear.
Medic M42
ebay item # 161252547823
This looks like one of those 'Latvian-Connection' helmets. They have that characteristic dark green interior and chemically induced wear.
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M45
Well-known member
LUFTWAFFE TROPICAL CAMO
M1940 Luftwaffe Single Decal DAK/Tropical Camouflaged German Helmet
This is a great looking combat experienced M1940 SD Luftwaffe DAK/Tropical Camouflaged German helmet. This WWII Luftwaffe German helmet retains a number of areas of DAK/Tropical camouflaged paint. The remnants of the camouflaged paint is the pinkish tan which normally is attributed to the North Africa campaigns. The dome has a couple of small indentations. The exterior has a really great "been there, done that" look. The Split pin rivets are fully intact and are original to the helmet. This German helmet has the correct zinc galvanized steel banded M1931 liner. The liner band is size 59 and is date stamped 1940. The leather is in good overall condition with a couple of small holes on the left side. The original drawstring is present and is in good condition. There are remnants of the original second pattern Luftwaffe decal still present. This German helmet is an ET66 indicating manufacture by the Eisenhuttenwerke firm in Thale, Germany. The lot number is 1252. As with all our WWII German helmets, this M1940 Luftwaffe German helmet comes with our Lifetime Guarantee and Certificate of Authenticity.
$1,400.00 Item #2603
http://ww2germanhelmets.com/M1940-Luftwaffe-German-Helmet-2603.html
I'm having trouble with this one. Concerning the area around the decal, the factory paint is heavily worn and pitted. In places, the 'DAK camo' can be seen inside of these pitting depressions. That would mean the camo was applied after the factory paint had deteriorated. This deterioration/pitting of paint normally takes many years of exposure to the elements to achieve, does it not?
In 'CAMO - 101' I learned that certain helmets are prime candidates for postwar alteration, specifically helmets with very worn finishes and decals. Why? Heavily worn helmets typically have the lowest resale value as condition is everything in this hobby. When considering camo helmet authenticity, try to imagine the camo helmet without the camo, and then determine if the factory finish and decals exhibit heavy wear. Determine if/how the camo and the factory finish have aged together over time and take note of signs that indicate a camo application that occurred after significant wear happened to the original paint/decals.
M1940 Luftwaffe Single Decal DAK/Tropical Camouflaged German Helmet
This is a great looking combat experienced M1940 SD Luftwaffe DAK/Tropical Camouflaged German helmet. This WWII Luftwaffe German helmet retains a number of areas of DAK/Tropical camouflaged paint. The remnants of the camouflaged paint is the pinkish tan which normally is attributed to the North Africa campaigns. The dome has a couple of small indentations. The exterior has a really great "been there, done that" look. The Split pin rivets are fully intact and are original to the helmet. This German helmet has the correct zinc galvanized steel banded M1931 liner. The liner band is size 59 and is date stamped 1940. The leather is in good overall condition with a couple of small holes on the left side. The original drawstring is present and is in good condition. There are remnants of the original second pattern Luftwaffe decal still present. This German helmet is an ET66 indicating manufacture by the Eisenhuttenwerke firm in Thale, Germany. The lot number is 1252. As with all our WWII German helmets, this M1940 Luftwaffe German helmet comes with our Lifetime Guarantee and Certificate of Authenticity.
$1,400.00 Item #2603
http://ww2germanhelmets.com/M1940-Luftwaffe-German-Helmet-2603.html
I'm having trouble with this one. Concerning the area around the decal, the factory paint is heavily worn and pitted. In places, the 'DAK camo' can be seen inside of these pitting depressions. That would mean the camo was applied after the factory paint had deteriorated. This deterioration/pitting of paint normally takes many years of exposure to the elements to achieve, does it not?
In 'CAMO - 101' I learned that certain helmets are prime candidates for postwar alteration, specifically helmets with very worn finishes and decals. Why? Heavily worn helmets typically have the lowest resale value as condition is everything in this hobby. When considering camo helmet authenticity, try to imagine the camo helmet without the camo, and then determine if the factory finish and decals exhibit heavy wear. Determine if/how the camo and the factory finish have aged together over time and take note of signs that indicate a camo application that occurred after significant wear happened to the original paint/decals.
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M1940-Luftwaffe-German-Helmet-2603-back.JPG -
M1940-Luftwaffe-German-Helmet-2603-decal.jpg -
M1940-Luftwaffe-German-Helmet-2603-front.JPG -
M1940-Luftwaffe-German-Helmet-2603-left.JPG -
M1940-Luftwaffe-German-Helmet-2603-liner-s.jpg -
M1940-Luftwaffe-German-Helmet-2603-paint.jpg -
M1940-Luftwaffe-German-Helmet-2603-right.JPG
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my thought exactly.
M45
Well-known member
Well, whatever the 'overpaint' is supposed to be, whether 'DAK'/Tropical camo or aged whitewash, I looked carefully at the photo of the rear pin, the area that has a significant portion of the 'camo' intact. Other than the aging 'effect' that it exudes, I see no physical wear whatsoever.
In contrast to known original helmets, many which have physical wear (scratches, dings, rub marks, etc...) over most of their surface, many of these camos I have seen show a good amount of aging effect of the paint, but often there are significant areas that have no physical wear at all - the paint is absolutely pristine in this regard; very un-characteristic of known originals.
I think many collectors of camos are drawn in by the age-effect of the camo paint itself, but they don't stop to consider how significant portions could have escaped heavy combat wear in pristine condition, with not one ding, scrape, chip, etc...
Most camos were front-line helmets that saw some of the fiercest combat and thus some of the heaviest wear on German helmets.
When I see absolutely pristine areas of camo, I see a red flag.
In contrast to known original helmets, many which have physical wear (scratches, dings, rub marks, etc...) over most of their surface, many of these camos I have seen show a good amount of aging effect of the paint, but often there are significant areas that have no physical wear at all - the paint is absolutely pristine in this regard; very un-characteristic of known originals.
I think many collectors of camos are drawn in by the age-effect of the camo paint itself, but they don't stop to consider how significant portions could have escaped heavy combat wear in pristine condition, with not one ding, scrape, chip, etc...
Most camos were front-line helmets that saw some of the fiercest combat and thus some of the heaviest wear on German helmets.
When I see absolutely pristine areas of camo, I see a red flag.
M45
Well-known member
Normandy Camouflage M40 Helmet
Normandy Camouflage M40 Helmet
for $3,200.00
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=401232133
Up for auction is a very rare piece. A Normandy Camouflage M40 Helmet with original decal and liner. The liner is marked with the soldier's name and something else, It reads, P. Ullrich" then below it "16 Pz. Jaf. Rgt." The decal is in very nice condition as is the helmet. You don't find them this nice often and when you do, they're big money. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. Thanks for looking.
EDIT: 'Latvian style' camo.
Normandy Camouflage M40 Helmet
for $3,200.00
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=401232133
Up for auction is a very rare piece. A Normandy Camouflage M40 Helmet with original decal and liner. The liner is marked with the soldier's name and something else, It reads, P. Ullrich" then below it "16 Pz. Jaf. Rgt." The decal is in very nice condition as is the helmet. You don't find them this nice often and when you do, they're big money. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. Thanks for looking.
EDIT: 'Latvian style' camo.
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M45
Well-known member
M35 Luftwaffe Chicken-wire camouflage helmet
M35 Luftwaffe Chicken-wire camouflage helmet
This is an M35 Luftwaffe helmet with a full basket of medium gauge wire. The helmet was painted in rough texture feldgrau and then the wire was applied and then sprayed in 3 colors.
http://www.germanhelmetsinc.com/gallery.htm
This helmet appears in the owner's 'collection gallery'. It is not for sale but neither is it in the 'restored WW2 helmets' section. This helmet is being displayed as a 100% authentic piece.
One of those 'exotic camos'; a chicken-wire/camoed Luftwaffe. I see the identical type of wear and flaking all over this helmet, probably some type of chemically induced wear.
No doubt 'wire/camos' existed, but it seems to be a bit of overkill. A factory helmet with camo paint added would help to camouflage a helmet in combat. So then, why add wire to an already camoed helmet?
M35 Luftwaffe Chicken-wire camouflage helmet
This is an M35 Luftwaffe helmet with a full basket of medium gauge wire. The helmet was painted in rough texture feldgrau and then the wire was applied and then sprayed in 3 colors.
http://www.germanhelmetsinc.com/gallery.htm
This helmet appears in the owner's 'collection gallery'. It is not for sale but neither is it in the 'restored WW2 helmets' section. This helmet is being displayed as a 100% authentic piece.
One of those 'exotic camos'; a chicken-wire/camoed Luftwaffe. I see the identical type of wear and flaking all over this helmet, probably some type of chemically induced wear.
No doubt 'wire/camos' existed, but it seems to be a bit of overkill. A factory helmet with camo paint added would help to camouflage a helmet in combat. So then, why add wire to an already camoed helmet?
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M45
Well-known member
M35 Heer Chicken-wire camouflage helmet
M35 Heer Chicken-wire camouflage helmet
This is an ET62 early helmet which has seen a lot of action. The non-reinforced liner frame is repaired. The helmet has been painted in standard vehicle colors with a 1/2 basket wire mesh applied.
http://www.germanhelmetsinc.com/gallery.htm
This helmet appears in the owner's 'collection gallery'. It is not for sale but neither is it in the 'restored WW2 helmets' section. This helmet is being displayed as a 100% authentic piece.
The camo on this one is in excellent condition. It even appears that some camo paint is on the wire as well, but I don't see any paint drips on the wire.
I'll say one thing about these 'wire/camos', they have the correct twists in the wire
M35 Heer Chicken-wire camouflage helmet
This is an ET62 early helmet which has seen a lot of action. The non-reinforced liner frame is repaired. The helmet has been painted in standard vehicle colors with a 1/2 basket wire mesh applied.
http://www.germanhelmetsinc.com/gallery.htm
This helmet appears in the owner's 'collection gallery'. It is not for sale but neither is it in the 'restored WW2 helmets' section. This helmet is being displayed as a 100% authentic piece.
The camo on this one is in excellent condition. It even appears that some camo paint is on the wire as well, but I don't see any paint drips on the wire.
I'll say one thing about these 'wire/camos', they have the correct twists in the wire
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M45
Well-known member
ET-64 M40 Three color camouflage Army helmet.
ET-64 M40 Three color camouflage Army helmet.
This is an ET64 single decal army helmet that was painted over in heavy textured green and later sprayed with a the three standard vehicle colors. The decal is completely covered. The helmet production dates to early 1940.
http://www.germanhelmetsinc.com/gallery.htm
This helmet appears in the owner's 'collection gallery'. It is not for sale but neither is it in the 'restored WW2 helmets' section. This helmet is being displayed as a 100% authentic piece.
Note the vibrant/vivid colors and contrast this helmet with the original camo just below.
ET-64 M40 Three color camouflage Army helmet.
This is an ET64 single decal army helmet that was painted over in heavy textured green and later sprayed with a the three standard vehicle colors. The decal is completely covered. The helmet production dates to early 1940.
http://www.germanhelmetsinc.com/gallery.htm
This helmet appears in the owner's 'collection gallery'. It is not for sale but neither is it in the 'restored WW2 helmets' section. This helmet is being displayed as a 100% authentic piece.
Note the vibrant/vivid colors and contrast this helmet with the original camo just below.
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M45
Well-known member
Three-color airbrushed M42 camo.
Three-color airbrushed M42 camo.
Known as the "Normandy pattern". This one had part of it's chinstrap sticking out when it was air-brushed.
http://www.germanhelmetsinc.com/gallery.htm
I believe this camo helmet to be authentic, as opposed to most of the others in this thread.
Compare this helmet closely with the previous three posted and see if you can see any significant differences concerning wear.
Also notice the overall dullness and flatness of the finish. I have noticed this feature on many original camos. In contrast, many of the 'restorations' have vibrant, vivid colors that reflect the newness of the paint.
Three-color airbrushed M42 camo.
Known as the "Normandy pattern". This one had part of it's chinstrap sticking out when it was air-brushed.
http://www.germanhelmetsinc.com/gallery.htm
I believe this camo helmet to be authentic, as opposed to most of the others in this thread.
Compare this helmet closely with the previous three posted and see if you can see any significant differences concerning wear.
Also notice the overall dullness and flatness of the finish. I have noticed this feature on many original camos. In contrast, many of the 'restorations' have vibrant, vivid colors that reflect the newness of the paint.
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M45
Well-known member
Restored helmet #28
Restored helmet #28
Here is a snow camo Q66 M40 shell. Well aged, high quality reproduction liner and chinstrap. SOLD
http://www.germanhelmetsinc.com/customgerman.htm
This snow camo is being sold as a restored helmet, but why is the snow camo in post#1 an authentic snow camo and this one restored ? How can I know authentic from fake/restored? Must I simply trust my dealers?
Restored helmet #28
Here is a snow camo Q66 M40 shell. Well aged, high quality reproduction liner and chinstrap. SOLD
http://www.germanhelmetsinc.com/customgerman.htm
This snow camo is being sold as a restored helmet, but why is the snow camo in post#1 an authentic snow camo and this one restored ? How can I know authentic from fake/restored? Must I simply trust my dealers?
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M45
Well-known member
Ww2 german paratrooper luft camo helmet, fully complete
WW2 GERMAN PARATROOPER LUFT CAMO HELMET, FULLY COMPLETE
Original WW2 German paratrooper LW camo helmet in good condition. Complete with liner and chinstrap. Marked "ET 68" and batch number "4321", liner also maker marked. Came from Germany. Great additional to any WW2 collection. For details please check pictures.
Price:
US $3,500.00 eBay item number: 301149222378
item location:
Riga, Latvia
This one has similarities with the 'normandy camouflage m40 helmet' on post#89. It would be nice if a 'camo logbook' could be kept of the various fake camos in order to categorize them according to similarity, origin, style, etc..
WW2 GERMAN PARATROOPER LUFT CAMO HELMET, FULLY COMPLETE
Original WW2 German paratrooper LW camo helmet in good condition. Complete with liner and chinstrap. Marked "ET 68" and batch number "4321", liner also maker marked. Came from Germany. Great additional to any WW2 collection. For details please check pictures.
Price:
US $3,500.00 eBay item number: 301149222378
item location:
Riga, Latvia
This one has similarities with the 'normandy camouflage m40 helmet' on post#89. It would be nice if a 'camo logbook' could be kept of the various fake camos in order to categorize them according to similarity, origin, style, etc..
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M45
Well-known member
Wwii german tropical camo
WWII GERMAN TROPICAL CAMO $2350.00
http://www.germanmilitariacollectibles.com/classifieds_detail.asp?classified_ID=38074
WWII GERMAN TROPICAL CAMO $2350.00
http://www.germanmilitariacollectibles.com/classifieds_detail.asp?classified_ID=38074
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gummipuppe
Señor Member biatch
Lots of these camo helmets are shiny. Kinda defeats the purpose, doesn't it?
iron bender
750 Press Operator
This last "tropical" has Eric Grigsby written all over it. Possibly one of his single decal M42's that someone has enhanced. The decal and application appear to be his work.
Originals will sometimes have a sheen to the paint, likely as a result of the flaxseed oil base.
The subject helmet looks like Zoro had a hand in it.