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Post by ssgjoe on Jan 26, 2014 17:01:20 GMT -5
Alright guys, I purchased this helmet off Man the Line (they're uniforms are GREAT) but I noticed that the ear cover on here is a bit sharp. Would you say there could be an M35 that may have been stamped wrong like this during the war and if stuff like this was common? I know this is an M35, and M42s were the ones that had the most stamping problems, but I need comforting. Tell me how accurate this is in your opinion, and if it could be attributed to a stamping problem. Thanks guys! |
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant 
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Jan 27, 2014 17:42:59 GMT -5
Absolutely WRONG WRONG WRONG. never in the eight million helmets produced of that type was there EVER a miss stamping or production error and if there was, in the Teutonic search for perfection they would NEVER allow it to be issued. Good grief! i am sure there are folks who will disagree with me but seriously that hellmet looks fine. other thoughts?  ? |
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Post by aldrich on Jan 27, 2014 18:30:35 GMT -5
I agree with 2nd Bat. Don't worry about it. If it does bother you, weather, distress, and dirty the helmet until it has a really "war torn" look. Not only will it make it look less new, but it will help hide the imperfections as well.
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Post by ssgjoe on Jan 27, 2014 19:45:45 GMT -5
Alright. Just making sure. I'll wind up getting an original at some point also. So yeah. Thanks guys!
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Jan 30, 2014 14:39:03 GMT -5
Aldrichs avatar makes obvious the fact that it is perfecly appropriate to tweak your helmet (as was done often) by adding camo paint, chicken wire and some foliage for camouflage which would further obscure anything that might be a little off. The reality is helmets were stamped out by the millions in manners not unlike the way these reproductions are made. Just as they are subject to imperfections so too were th originals. The quality of produced goods varied throughout the war and there was great emphasis on cutting costs and increasing production. Your helmet looks great to 99% of all viewers and (in my opinion) the 1% are over thinking it. I can assure you as a one time combat infantryman. The soldier of the day wouldn't have noticed or cared.
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Post by ssgjoe on Jan 30, 2014 18:41:02 GMT -5
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Feb 1, 2014 18:35:37 GMT -5
Your filing definitely appears worthwhile as it does enhance the appearance of your helmet. It was frankly fine the way it was for my sense of meticulousness which is admittedly quite low but absolutely better with the effort you extended. Remember that field camo work as in every field army was conducted expeditiously and using any means available. think of all the assorted methods camo paints might have been applied and accept that any and all were no doubt done. Also realize that duty such as camo painting the units helmets during a down time would be assigned punitively. that is to say it usually went to someone in the unit who wasn't going to be allowed to relax during the break in the action. This usually wasn't the most gifted soldier in the ranks in fact it was often the Kompanie screw up. As a result meticulous and great care would probably be inaccurate and less then authentic. Sloppy and carefree is frankly going to be most realistic oddly enough.
Look at actual examples of camo painted helmets and you will see great variety and frequently pretty sloppy looking work. Look at reproduction efforts and they usually are gorgeous and fastedious. If all you are seeking is to tone down the shine an overspray of dull coat, a camo net or textured paint will do nicely.
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Post by ssgjoe on Feb 1, 2014 18:45:08 GMT -5
I might cake it in plaster of Paris then paint it various subdued colors. Not too much plaster, but enough to simulate the paint they used to put on tanks (I can't say the name of this paint off the top of my head) which they used on their helmets when they had a supply. Do you know the name if this paint?
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Feb 1, 2014 19:29:19 GMT -5
Zimmerit paste is what they used on their tanks to deter magnetic mines. There are textured paint readily available that will create the desired effect which was similar to the cork or sand finish the US used on their steel pots to reduce the glare. These textured finishes are often at craft shops and designed to create a stone or pottery finish. Once applied you will want to over paint in appropriate colors.
The effect is quite good.
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Post by ssgjoe on Feb 1, 2014 20:07:55 GMT -5
Zimmerit paste. That was the name. I already got stone textured spray paint. I'll just use that.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Feb 16, 2014 9:47:45 GMT -5
The stone effect paint works but choose well your top coat color(s). Mud will also work and was often applied both intentionally and incidently to helmets.
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Post by insterburger on Feb 27, 2014 23:00:34 GMT -5
And a helmet cover will hide practically anything. I have a really low-end Stahlhelm replica that is just wrong, with an odd shape to the rear skirt that is really noticable. I bought a helmet cover for it and it's now my loaner Stahlhelm. It's been fielded a few times and no one has given it so much as a second glance.
Your helmet was fine, is better now, and will be better still.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Feb 28, 2014 1:22:49 GMT -5
Helmet covers are definitely my friend as I have a bunch of uber uber cheap kraut helmets and their flaws are camoflaged nicely with helmet covers. The plain unadorned German helmet is so iconic that for me the ideal is a good nicely finished plain heer Kraut helmet. For now I just can't afford it so helmet covers for me.
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