WWII Helmet Questions

Diligence

Diligence

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
134   0   0
Location
Calgary
Hey gang,

I was cleaning out my Father's shop, and ran across these two helmets. I think one is a german M42 Luftwaffe, with some sort of camo paint job and letter (?) painted over the luftwaffe mark. The rim is stamped D308 and the liner is in rough shape, but it has a chin strap.

The other is a british/canadian (?) helmet with a unique mark - it has stopped a bullet, but it has no liner.

I'm looking to sell these, but honestly have no idea how to value them.

Any thoughts as to what price I might reasonable offer them at?

Much thanks,
D
 
Last edited:
Helmets with holes that are in collections were just shot at. Helmets on heads with holes got left behind on the battlefield. Way too much yuck than you can believe.
 
I think to be honest the Canadian helmet is not worth very much in that condition. A nice complete tommy helmet usually sells for around $100 with net, liner, chinstrap, ect.

The Luftwaffe helmet with what could be Normandy camo would be a very valuable helmet if it was still in good condition. In its current state, there are definitely still collectors who would want it, but I'm not sure it would sell for very much money. I'd probably ask $300, and be prepared to take less.

-Steve
 
That is a 1942 pattern German helmet.

The 1935 pattern had the edges of the stamping rolled under; the 1942 version just flared 'em out and then grind smooth.
 
Yeah, definitely a M42 luftwaffe.

Should be a maker stamp with the size, example: ckl66, Q62, NS64 etc

Also a lot number,
Numbers and letters. Looks likes yours is that D308.
Liner sure is rough. Lol. At least some of the chinstamp made it.
 
I would appreciate some guidance in trying to find maker's marks on the M42 helmet. What should I be looking for, and where, and why do those marks matter?

thanks for the interest so far.

D
 
Lot number isnt too important for this. Mainly used to track trends to see if a helmet is legit, and similar to others from the period.

Size is just interesting to anyone who wants it. Some helmets look rediculously small, and are not as appealing to me as larger ones. But this is personal taste.

Maker is also just a point of interest.

These items can be found on the inside of the lip of the helmet. Ive attached some pics of mine to show you what to look for. Some are lightly struck, so with the condition of your helmet, may or may not be legible.
One is double struck, ckl is maker, 66 is size, and below is lot number.
DSCN3154.jpg

DSCN2992.jpg
 
I think with the prices of lids these days you are being low-balled. Especially in regards to the the Luftwaffe M42 with cammo painting (probably used in Italy or Normandy). Any legit cammo lids in any type of condition are highly sought and the condition of that lid only speaks to the authenticy of that helmet. Yes it is rusted and the liner is gone, but those deficits are very telling. In perfect condition that lid might be worth well over $1000 to the right collector, as is probably closer to half that value and maybe more.

Now I am going to open the can of worms regarding preservation/cleaning. Some people say not to touch a lid, others recommend light oilings etc. The problem is rust is 'living' and will continue to eat away at the metal unless something is done. I would not recommend touching/cleaning the leather.
 
I managed to find what looks like an NS66 stamp as well. Lots of interesting conversations around this lid. I took some better photos, and perhaps that will show more clearly the condition.

Much thanks,
D
 
Last edited:
From the pictures it looks like at some time a person applied a swastika sticker or tape and when it was removed, it took some paint with it? Or am I way off? Hard to say from pics
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom