German helmet

[larryours]

I have a German helmet I got in Germany while I was station there in 72-74(34 years ago.) It was in good shape then, a little surface rust, not much, I sprayed painted with rust inhibiter, black) and it's the same since then. Does anyone know what the price of an authentic German helmet is ?

[skeet]

I assume(hate that word) that this is a WWII german helmet.. To be honest with you as soon as you sprayed it with that anti rust paint you ruined the collector value by 80% or so. Does it have the straps etc...liner webbing? If not, the value is even somewhat less. Now if it was WWI then it would be worth something...maybe. I have seen a half dozen or so sold in the last couple of years in approx the same condition as you say yours is(sans paint) and they went for around 30 bucks if I remember the last 2 correctly..maybe 40? Original condition is everything.

[larryours]

We must have some nutty collectors around here or they don't know whats going on, because at a local auction last spring, a helmet in pitted condition, & sprayed painted brought something like $ 385.00

[skeet]

What can I say! You ARE in West Virginia...so maybe that explains it. People do crazy things at auctions...especially estate auctions. Auctions are where I make my spending money. I do lots of auctions..have for over 35 yrs. Sometimes the Germans had unit markings etc on their helmets and that may bring more money..especially units that were famous for certain things. Beware of fakes

[larryours]

I don't think just being in West Virginia matters, because I just saw in this months issue of Smokey Mountain Knife works, they want $ 99.00 for a WWII M 1935 Helmet (REPLICA) ??? and that's nationwide. If a replica is worth 99.00, my old true WWII helmet should be worth 3-4 times that much, even if I did spray rust inhabiter on it
And I can guarantee mine is the true item, because it's another story of where and how I got mine in Germany about 34 years ago !