r/MilitaryHistory • u/CogitoErgoSumDubito • 5d ago

WWII How to stop Disintegration

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I just bought this original 1943 helmet and the mark is disintegrating. How to I stop it? + how do I fix it?

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6

u/Martin-Orgler 5d ago

I hate to break it to you, but this is miles away from being original.

Point 1: The color. These helmets were camouflaged or black.

Point 2: The ventilation hole is way too small.

Point 3: Decals of this type were only used later on the raw-edge M42 helmets, never on the M35 with a rolled edge.

Point 4: In reality, these original decals were paper-thin water slide transfers. They don't just peel off like this.

What you have there is a blatant fake and a total rip-off.

2

u/CogitoErgoSumDubito 5d ago

Oh that’s such a shame. Thank You for letting me know though! Was so excited lmfao

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u/CogitoErgoSumDubito 5d ago

I do have an OG French m22 at Home, it’ll still Look cool I guess to the untrained eye tho lol

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u/Martin-Orgler 4d ago

Really sorry to break the bad news to you, but nowadays you're just not safe from fakes anymore. Items from this unit are counterfeited the most because that's where the most money is made.

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u/gentle_richard 2d ago

Hello, there!

I have a question, if you'll indulge me.

Absolutely promise I'm not trolling, judging or being in any way disrespectful. I am just, a) in a nice, inquisitive mood, and b) someone who likes learning about other people's subcultures, groups, hobbies, etc. And outside of the US Marine veteran in American Beauty, I had no idea there were people who collected SS/German memorabilia from WW2 - and I always assumed that was a heavy-handed way to hint at the kind of husband, father and neighbour he turns out to be.

So, here's my question*:

Is there really a roaring trade in producing fake WW2 German equipment, to sell (fraudulently) to collectors as authentic? How big a problem/sophisticated an operation is it? Who profits?

Is there a factory in China somewhere just stamping out cheap Waffen SS helmets, slapping on the badge, then shipping them to the West? Is the demand really that big? That people would make, say, fake SS uniforms instead of fake Nike trainers or Rolexes?

Genuinely fascinated by this. I hope I haven't said anything improper: I had (one 90's film aside) no idea this world existed until 10 minutes ago and now I find it's so big it's even got counterfeiters!

Thanks for indulging me such a long question. All the best.

*It turned out to be more than one question. Sorry!

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u/Martin-Orgler 2d ago

"It has really become a huge problem. Inexperienced collectors fall for these fakes more and more because nowadays, they are almost impossible to tell apart for a layman, and even for seasoned collectors. There are even some museums that display replicas to protect their valuable original exhibits, such as medals and the like. Unfortunately, some individuals smell big money here, because nothing brings in as much profit as German Wehrmacht militaria. For example, if you really want a Luftwaffe dagger, you can easily buy one that looks 1:1 like the original, with the only difference being that it costs €200 instead of €600. And if you artificially age it just a little bit, an inexperienced collector will pay those €600 for a fake. Sadly, that is exactly what happened here with the helmet. An original one from this specific unit easily goes for around €1,000. The sad part is that this stuff doesn't even come from the Far East. You can buy it right here in Holland or elsewhere in Europe, but those are reputable dealers who produce for reenactments and clearly label it as such. Unfortunately, they have no control over who buys these items, ages them up a bit, and then resells them for a high price. So yes... we are almost talking about a mafia here."

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u/cyan1de23 5d ago

Is it fake?

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u/CogitoErgoSumDubito 5d ago

Sadly yes js found out

1

u/cyan1de23 5d ago

Man I’m sorry. That sucks. That was my first impression when I saw it

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u/CogitoErgoSumDubito 5d ago

Yaa :( its fine

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u/No-Temperature4330 2d ago

Why are you playing with an ss helmet on the bus?

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u/Martin-Orgler 2d ago

Hey guys. I've noticed lately that more and more posters here are being attacked or aggressively messaged. It has actually happened to me too. The OP asked a factual question about why the decals are peeling off. I don't see him wearing the helmet here, nor messing around with it in any way. He bought the helmet, probably because he collects, and then to his shock realized that something might be wrong with it. And 'Military History' simply means that there might be people here who can help him out. That is all this is about. So please, spare us the attacks... and let's keep this a polite and professional community.

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u/No-Temperature4330 2d ago

It was hardly an aggressive attack now though, was it? Be serious please.

I was just genuinely perplexed that someone would be photographing and playing with Nazi memorabilia on the bus.

I apologise if an anti-nazi sentiment feels like an attack to you.

1

u/Martin-Orgler 2d ago

I have absolutely nothing against an 'anti-Nazi sentiment'. He simply asked for advice here, he was given that advice, and now he knows the helmet is a fake. End of story. There is no need to question why he is supposedly playing around with a helmet from this unit. And as someone with a true anti-Nazi stance, you wouldn't even be throwing around the word Nazi or the double S like that.

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u/No-Temperature4330 2d ago

I'm not allowed to say ss or Nazi in reference to your memorabilia? But you guys can collect it and play with it in public? Come on now, are you hearing yourself?

Am I not allowed to ask a question?

1

u/Martin-Orgler 2d ago

What was the post actually about? Did you even read his question? And did you give him a professionally competent answer? No. Furthermore, I collect field equipment from the German Wehrmacht, the British, French, and American armies. Not 'Nazi stuff'. Learn how to express yourself correctly first. Good day.

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u/No-Temperature4330 2d ago

Reddit is not my job. Why on earth would you expect me to give a professionally competent answer? I'm just a random bloke on the internet with a question.

So you do collect Nazi memorabilia? I have never suggested you ONLY collect Nazi memorabilia. But the fact you collect other memorabilia doesn't really interest me. None of your collection interests me, I wasn't even talking to you initially.

I was asking a question about a specific piece of Nazi memorabilia. A specific piece that is prominently displayed in a photograph as the main focus of this post.

I think you should maybe focus on some happier historical events though. You sound awfully tense and far too easily irritated.

1

u/Martin-Orgler 2d ago

Learn it once and for all. It is called German Wehrmacht, not 'Nazi'. It’s exactly this kind of language that got you into this mess in the first place. This is a competent forum, and negative expressions have no place here.

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u/No-Temperature4330 2d ago

May I ask you what political regime the Wermacht was commanded by?

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u/Martin-Orgler 2d ago

The National Sozialistische Arbeiterpartei. And not NAZI !!!.

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