Questionable Camos

[M45]

I have to admit, they are getting better at aging these things. Fair patina on top, but there are still large areas on this helmet where there does not appear to be any wear at all. Well aged paint, but not one ding, scratch or wear mark. When I look at my original factory finish helmets with a loup, I see all kinds of stuff going on.

 

[M45]

Multiple Painted Colors Camo

German Helmet WW2 World War Two Multiple Painted Colors Camo
eBay item number:121383962576


German helmet I believe is from world war two. Selling for a friend so please see all photos provided.
Helmet is being sold AS IS with no returns please. Shipping to USA and Canada $15 or $55 for International countries.
Thank-you

This helmet is plain scary. It looks fantastic at first glance. Consider; the seller is not sure exactly what it is, selling for a friend, and with a low starting bid, currently at $53. (now $770)
It is a camo collector's dream to find a helmet under such circumstances. Only now, the world will get a chance to bid the price up to who knows what.

The cons would be; no returns. The damaged liner is once again an issue for me, because underneath the camo paint I see a low-dollar, heavily worn factory helmet. On the underside rim I also see some camo and some fresh rust. If this helmet is fake, then we all need to worry. I think this one needs an in-hand inspection with a loupe.

UPDATE: Sold for US $1,790.00
[ 64 bids ]

 

[M45]

Normandy Camo

NORMANDY CAMO

eBay item number:
291190612678

Original WWII German Normandy Camo/Camouflage M42 Helmet CKL66

You are bidding on an original WWII German M42 Normandy camo helmet. This helmet has everything you're looking for in a true original, a one looker as they refer to them. Though the paint is worn down, it still has beautiful but subtle colors. I tried to photograph some of the brush marks still visible. It has correct top wear to the camo paint. The only blemish I feel is where another helmet may have been stacked on top of it but it does not detract from its display. The liner is original to the helmet and the split pins show a tight single fold showing the liner has never been removed. The maker stamp and size is clearly visible CKL 66. I hate parting with this since I have owned it for several years but am moving it along to fund another purchase. The reserve price is below the fair market value since I am wanting to move it along.

Another 'beautiful' Normandy! Like the helmet above, this one falls into a very gray area, IMO. I think it would need a hands-on inspection, but like the helmet above, I'm leaning against it.
I think the art of camoing a helmet to make it look like it is 70 years old has been perfected. After all, movie studio artists have been doing it for decades.

Seller makes it a point to mention the top wear. Hates to get rid of it. No returns. Unknown reserve price.
UPDATE: reserve price not met. US $1,225.00
Back up for sale. $660 - reserve not met. US $735.59
UPDATE: back up for sale.
UPDATE: $735 reserve not met.

Ebay camos are worth considerably more, aren't they?

 

[M45]

M-40 camouflage helmet ex wire basket camo

GERMAN WWII ORIGINAL M-40 CAMOUFLAGE HELMET EX WIRE BASKET CAMO GERMANY WW2

eBay item number: 131234534781 Current bid: US $1,947.87 FINAL BID: US $2,037.96

German WW2 M-40 Q66 ex wire basket camo helmet. Liner band and leather dated 1940 complete with original chinstrap. cannot see any sign of decal but this one was probably a KM German WWII navy Kriegsmarine. Over the factory paint you can see the helmet was painted with the classic shipboard grey paint and over later with a nice autumn camouflage pattern in brown/tan and green. over the top of the helmet you can see that at one point had a wire basket now gone.

Assessment: Colors are overall too vivid to be 70 years old, IMO. The gray paint underneath the camo does not appear to be very old either. The wire basket being on or off has no significance for me at this point.
Once again, a low value (maybe $400), late war ND helmet underneath all of the extra paint.

 

[M45]

M42 spring camo

M42 SPRING CAMO

http://www.italianwarfront.com/?page_id=9

German WWII M-42 NS 66 helmet camouflage with a light green spring camo paint. Absolutely untouched with no sign of decals under the paint. A great late war combat helmet in a large size complete with unmolested liner and chinstrap stamped gxy.
$1,850

These 'neon-green' camos seem to be popular. I see a lack of any serious wear on this helmet, the pins included. I would conclude that this helmet was not used in combat after it was camoed. How does a front-line helmet get camoed and then not used in combat? Maybe it was captured right after it was camoed. There are alot of these "drying-rack" camo helmets in circulation, helmets with well aged finishes but not well-worn finishes.

 

[M45]

Four color spray camo

FOUR COLOR SPRAY CAMO

http://www.virtualgrenadier.com/sale_item.php?iid=2033 $1985

Note that the center arrows on the photos are part of the graphic and do not work. Use those at the bottom of the image.

A striking 4-color camo. Certainly a 'top-shelf' helmet for serious camo collectors.

Notice the well distributed minor wear, even in the area in the vicinity of the 'transition line', or the area where the bowl meets the neckguard. This area is usually protected from serious wear by its 'V' design. Thus, some of the best conditioned paint on a helmet can often be found there. Also notice that the well distributed wear is even found in this protected area.
All highly unnatural, IMO.
The helmet is a late war ckl no-decal helmet.

M42 ckl64 5953 ND RTGG ZSH

Remember that certain helmets are prime candidates for 'enhancement/restoration': factory no-decal helmets (usually M42s, Quist M40s), period reissues with decals painted over (which are no-decal helmets, once again), and heavily worn helmets (with or without decals). We have here a very latewar helmet with a very elaborate field modification, another red flag IMO.

 

[M45]

M-40 Luftwaffe wire camo

German WW2 M-40 two tones camo named to an ϟϟ soldier on the leather liner

VIRTUAL MUSEUM
http://www.italianwarfront.com/?page_id=1715

A new generation of camos has become the 'new normal' here in the US. They are typically 'exotic' with vibrant colors. And although the paint itself is often well-aged, there is unconvincing wear, as though the helmet was camoed but never used in combat. The helmets underneath these types of camos are usually low-dollar helmets; factory no-decal helmets, reissues, or heavily worn helmets (with or without decals).

After all, why take a helmet that already has high value to enhance?

This looks like a Quist M40 helmet, probably a factory no-decal. I see slate gray paint to the underside. The writing on the liner makes it an SS helmet, no?

 

[Hambone]

The waftarded, lead by WAFloid, coined the ridiculous term "exotic freshie" to someone legitimize contemporary art. A number of these "exotic freshies" were thus peddled to the waftarded for sometimes in excess of $3000 per example. These were $300 helmets devalued and historically vandalized by painting. Saying something doesn't make it so, except at WAF sometimes, particularly when all contrary opinions are censored and banned.

 

[M45]

Original German WW2 camouflage camo helmet m42 unusual original camo pattern


Price: US $1,500.00 Buy It Now eBay item number: 131254144895



This is a Original German camouflage ww2 helmet. The helmet is undented,with only minor surface rust on the inside. Stamped NS62 inside near the left ear. "1795" inside at the rear of the helmet. The liner is missing and the sweat band is in poor condition see the photos. I bought this helmet many years ago from the son of the Vet. I have many German helmets that could have easily replaced the liner and chin strap but I always leave things exactly the way I obtained them. This is really a nice helmet

Another 'gem' of a camo to be found on Ebay. $1500 is a steal for such an 'exotic freshie' (thanks HB, for that walk down memory lane).

Note: well distributed (and unconvincing) minor wear for the most part; vet association; the owner has many helmets (shows experience); is a stickler for originality by keeping things as they were; the helmet is listed as being 'original'; NO RETURNS.

Appears to be a former SD HEER with heavy wear and rotted leather (a low-dollar helmet); an excellent candidate for restoration.

The hook has been baited and placed into the water. Now to await a 'big fish' to come along and bite at such an irresistible deal.

UPDATE: $800 start bid, $1,200 buy it now.

 

[M45]

LATVIAN STYLE Multi Colored Camo

WW2 German Original Helmet, M-42, Multi Colored Camo, complete with liner

EBAY: 151373335475

A Latvian Style camo. Looks like chemical aging to the paint, the red-brown color is overdone (too much red) and not the proper shade, interiors are typically a dark green with postwar liners.

 

[M45]

autumn / winter period CAMO

autumn / winter period CAMO

http://www.italianwarfront.com/?page_id=9


Absolutely stunning and never messed German WWII M-42 three color spray painted camouflage. Large shell ET66 complete with nice soft leather liner and chinstrap. All pins and washers are tight and original to the helmet. Still nice and dusty same way I got it long time ago from a local garage sale. Not the usual “Normandy camo” this one has nice colors probably for a autumn / winter period.
$3,500 sorry no layaway on this one

I would agree in a sense with 'absolutely stunning', but 'never messed with' ? Most of these questionable camos have their interiors intact (paint liners untouched). But this camo has a very odd interior. I can't say that I can see any factory paint on the inside dome. It looks like the camo was applied to the interior rim, but even the interior dome does not reflect a factory painted helmet.

Zoom in on these photos. The photo of the front of the helmet has that odd looking green on the rim, obviously one of the base colors used in this camo. It almost looks like an 'agua green'. How often was agua green spray paint used on period camos ?

That #44 on the back rim does not appear very old at all.

The idea of multi-colored camo on the underside rim does not seem right. I've seen DAK tan and reissue paint on underside rims, but that was all one color.

It seems like this trooper had alot of time on his hands to produce this 'masterpiece', time enough to camo the underside rim and acquire agua green spray paint to mix with other colors to produce it.

 

[M45]

Normandy style camo

NORMANDY STYLE CAMO

eBay item number: 331283612056

Here is your chance to own a stunning camo helmet. This lid is complete with liner and is named to a soldier. The last name of Kramer is on the inner brim of the shell. ET 66 shell. I'll let the photos do the talking on this quality Normandy scheme. Top shelf and guaranteed WW2 era. Cannot be upgraded when it comes to a Heer camo.


Price: US $5,999.99 Buy It Now

Update: back up for sale at same price: ebay item# 231347290945

 

[M45]

Normandy luft

Luftwaffe M35 double decal tricolor spray camo helmet. $2450
http://www.virtualgrenadier.com/sale_item.php?iid=2037


There is a fairly new book out on WWII German Normandy camos. It is called 'NORMANDY 44' and is published in France.

Most of these camos have a very similar appearance; three color Normandy scheme with contrived wear and generous red rust.

The camo posted has a strong resemblance to those in the book.

 

[M45]

Luftwaffe m40 normandy camo

Luftwaffe M40 Normandy camo helmet - EF64

http://www.butschek-antiques.com/Headgear/Luftwaffe-M40-Normandy-camo-helmet-EF64.html

Untouched M40 Luftwaffe camo helmet. This helmet was found in a barn hanging on its chin strap. You can still see the bend in the chin strap. It must have been laying upside down for years too since there is an area with rust to the top.

The helmet must have had a net or wire all around. You can still see rests of the wire mounted to the ring of the liner as well as the metal rings of the chin straps. The size 57 stamped leather liner got a large dark spot to the back. Even if this helmet is clearly not battle damaged it could be a blood stain. Maybe the reason it was left at home and survived the war.

EF64 stamped shell. It comes with easily 85-90% of the original Normandy camo. There are a few small rust spots. It was never cleaned or oiled and remained absolutely untouched! The three rivets have never been opened are are absolutely firm and strong. If you look closely, you can see the shape of a Luftwaffe eagle to one side hiding underneath the camo.

A rare -been there- camo helmet! Hard to find!

ASSESSMENT: Colors are too vivid, paint has no significant wear, loads of fresh red rust.

 

[mauser202]

Luftwaffe M40 Normandy camo helmet - EF64

http://www.butschek-antiques.com/Headgear/Luftwaffe-M40-Normandy-camo-helmet-EF64.html

Untouched M40 Luftwaffe camo helmet. This helmet was found in a barn hanging on its chin strap. You can still see the bend in the chin strap. It must have been laying upside down for years too since there is an area with rust to the top.

The helmet must have had a net or wire all around. You can still see rests of the wire mounted to the ring of the liner as well as the metal rings of the chin straps. The size 57 stamped leather liner got a large dark spot to the back. Even if this helmet is clearly not battle damaged it could be a blood stain. Maybe the reason it was left at home and survived the war.

EF64 stamped shell. It comes with easily 85-90% of the original Normandy camo. There are a few small rust spots. It was never cleaned or oiled and remained absolutely untouched! The three rivets have never been opened are are absolutely firm and strong. If you look closely, you can see the shape of a Luftwaffe eagle to one side hiding underneath the camo.

A rare -been there- camo helmet! Hard to find!

Still trying to learn, this looks good to me as did the one in the previous post. Are they both legit?

 

[M45]

Mauser, all I can say is that camo authentication is not an exact science (and probably never will be). Some camos are obviously good, others obviously bad, and still others are in that gray, subjective area where collectors have to make their own decisions about whether they want them on their shelves.

If you get the 'NORMANDY-44' book (I'll sell you mine) and browse through those camos, you will see how many are strikingly similar, often with generous red rust and contrived wear.

The red rust and unnatural wear gives these camos a red flag IMO.

 

[M45]

http://www.germanmilitaria.com/Heer/photos/H003971.html

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The stamped, sheet steel construction M40 helmet retains about 65% of its rough textured, camouflage over-paint in random splotches of different shades of green, field-grey and tan. All three liner retaining rivets are intact. The interior of the helmet has a heavily age and usage darkened, M31 tan, leather liner with all eight of it’s original fingers and the liner tie string intact. Left side, apron has the faint, stamped manufacturer’s code and size that appears to be, "Q62", indicating manufacture by F.W. Quist, G.m.b.H. of Esslingen, size 62. The original, now dry, chinstrap is present. Nice worn and used combat example.

GRADE *** 3/4 PRICE $1,815.00

I see two large worn spots, otherwise no significant wear; unnatural IMO. Very few photos of this one, and no photos of the crown.

 

[M45]

Rex 39 Normandy Camo

REX 39 NORMANDY CAMO

EBAY item# 181507951813


This is a WWII German M42 helmet shell. The size is 64 cm. The shell is maker's marked (looks like "qAE" or "qAL") and is painted in the Normandy Camo pattern (tan with green and brown accents) over factory field gray. The interior is field gray. There are numerous paint chips and scrathces and the camo shows aging and wear. The helmet is otherwise in great condition. Please scroll down and look at the pictures, then return to the item description.

Although this is a guaranteed original WWII German M42 helmet shell, the painting and aging are newly done. Those of you familiar with my past listings will recognize this as my re-paint work. I start with an original helmet that has been post-war painted, strip it to bare metal, and repaint it with a degree of realism that is unmatched anywhere. The techniques used have taken years to develop and make this helmet appear absolutely dead-on real, whether viewed from across the room or right up close. A set of split pins and washers is included. If you've always dreamed of owning a spectacular WWII German Normandy Camo helmet, but don't want to deplete your bank account, here's your opportunity.

This helmet displays beautifully and is meant to look incredibly real, but it's not meant to deceive. I have therefore marked the helmet with the words "rex39" and "Repaint" on the interior of the shell. This marking is a non-negotiable condition of sale.

I want you to be happy with your purchase. If you're dissatisfied for any reason, simply return the helmet in existing condition and I'll refund your bid. PayPal accepted. Buyer to pay $25 for Priority Mail shipping within the USA. International buyers contact me for shipping cost. Please feel free to e-mail if you have any questions.

Although this camo is a known restoration by Rex 39, it is head and shoulders above most of the other restorations in this thread, IMO. The others are JV- junior varsity, this one is varsity.

I fear for the camo collectors when restorations like this become the norm and circulate widely as originals. After Rex 39 sells this ($375), I would bet that it will show up somewhere with an original liner installed
and for sale as an original for 3-4K.

The battle is on for camo collector's hard-earned dollars.

 

[M45]

WWII M35 ET62 German Army Normandy Camo Helmet (New Images Inserted)

[Item: H131] Here is a top shelf high grade example of a Normandy 3 pattern camouflage helmet. Exterior colors consist of the typical green, tan and brick red which is mostly still intact and rates at a beautiful 97-98%. The camo paint exhibits crazing in specific areas. Close up images attached from a 100mm Macro lens and also a USB microscope at 20x. Aluminum content can be detected under the paint in certain areas on the left side of the helmet with the USB microscope which is in the shape of an Army decal. No National tri-color decal can be detected on the right side. Very tight fitting liner system 100% original to the helmet. All three untouched split pin rivet fasteners intact and complete with all three slotted washers. Rivet heads are fused to the helmet with camo paint as seen in the close up. Leather liner fully pliable, intact and has taken on a darkened aged appearance. Drawstring in full length and in place. Chinstrap buckle is steel with most of its gray paint intact. Long portion of strap is in full length and pliable. Manufacturer and date on tip is indiscernible. This helmet also comes with an XRFacts certification. Overall excellent condition.

Price: $2498

http://germanwarhelmet.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/M35-ET62-Army-Camo-Helmets-H131.jpg

Sorry for the small photos. For a front line combat helmet, I see no appreciable wear to this one, especially to the crown. Where are all of the dings, scrapes and chips that expose not only the underlying factory finish, but also bare metal that has since taken on a very dark, almost black rust patina?

Even the known REX-39 restoration shown above has that.

 

[M45]

Rex-39 m35 italian theater camo helmet shell

REX-39 M35 ITALIAN THEATER CAMO HELMET SHELL

Ebay Item# 181521040973

This is a WWII German M35 helmet shell. It has the classic rolled edge and riveted air vents. The size is 62 cm. The shell is marked ET62; the lot number appears to be 960. There is no liner or decals. The helmet is a M35 reissue painted smooth apple green, overpainted in textured field gray, and finally overpainted in topical tan camo with brown and green accents. There are numerous chips and scratches allowing the underlying paint to show through. The interior is apple green with a coat of field gray applied to the skirt and shows light surface oxidation. The helmet is otherwise in excellent condition with no cracks, dents, or unwanted holes. Please scroll down and look at the pictures, then return to the item description.

Although this is an original WWII German M35 helmet shell, the painting and aging are newly done. Those of you familiar with my past auctions will recognize this as my repaint work. I grauantee this to be one of the finest repaints available anywhere. The techniques used make this helmet appear absolutely dead-on real whether viewed from across the room or up close. To identify this helmet as one of my repaints, I have marked the interior of the shell. The marking will be hidden with a liner installed. Here's your opportunity to own what appears to be a veretan of the Mediterranean Theater at a fraction of the cost. Included with the helmet are a set of split pins that have been painted to match. I will also throw in the washers

I want you to be happy with your purchase. If you are not satisfied for any reason, simply return the helmet in undamaged condition and I will refund your bid. Buyer to pay $20 for priority mail shipping within the USA. I will ship worldwide. PayPal accepted. Please feel free to e-mail if you have any questions.

Another excellent REX-39 restoration. It has dullness to the finish, good random wear, dark patina. Now it just needs an original liner

One thing I do not see on Rex 39 camos is the original factory finish peeking through in the damaged areas of the camo. Apparently, he starts off with bare shells for his projects. The inside does not appear to have factory paint.

Now if someone with Rex's abilities turned those talents on a fully complete and original helmet (lets say a low-dollar reissue or heavily worn helmet), you would certainly see original paint to the underside and possibly original paint peeking through the damaged areas of the camo.

Such a scenario would be the holy-grail of postwar altered/faked/restored camo helmets IMO; a restoration so well done that it cannot be distinguished from an original.