Unboxing WWII German Helmets M35 M38 M40 M42 | Authentic or Reproduction | Military Antiques Toronto скачать в хорошем качестве

Unboxing WWII German Helmets M35 M38 M40 M42 | Authentic or Reproduction | Military Antiques Toronto

Welcome back to Military Antiques Toronto! I'm Dave, and today we're diving into an intriguing unboxing session. A customer sent me a box of military helmets, and I'm eager to see what's inside. As a collector and dealer specializing in military antiques, particularly WWII helmets and German helmets, the anticipation of uncovering authentic military collectibles is always exciting. However, in the world of military antiques, not everything is as it seems. I received this package in the mail, and after carefully removing the sender's address for privacy, we're ready to open it up. As we all know, when it comes to collecting military helmets and WWII memorabilia, you never quite know what you're going to get. With my coffee set aside and tools at the ready, let's delve into this unboxing and see what treasures or surprises await. The first helmet we pull out is an M42 helmet. At first glance, any collector of military antiques would be thrilled to find an authentic M42 German helmet from WWII. However, upon closer inspection, some red flags become apparent. The liner doesn't look right—it appears to be artificially aged. The chin strap also seems to have been artificially aged, and there's a name inscribed inside. While finding a name in a helmet can add historical value, it's unusual how frequently names are appearing in helmets these days. It raises concerns about authenticity, especially when considering the abundance of fake military helmets and artificially aged collectibles in the market. Unfortunately, I have to conclude that this M42 helmet isn't authentic. The liner and chin strap materials don't match what we'd expect from genuine WWII helmets. For collectors of military memorabilia, identifying fake military helmets is crucial to maintaining the integrity of their collections. The decals on this helmet are also not correct. Authentic German helmet decals from WWII have specific characteristics, and these don't align with known authentic patterns. It's disappointing because if it were real, this helmet would be worth a significant amount of money, adding considerable value to any collection of military antiques. Moving on to the second helmet, things don't improve. At first, I joke that it's a "real electrician's helmet," highlighting the absurdity of the situation. This helmet is marked as a "Q 64" with lot number "DN 162," indicating it's supposed to be a Quist-manufactured helmet, size 64. However, the liner is again not right and appears artificially aged. The deception continues, and it's clear that this helmet is another fake. For enthusiasts of WWII collectibles and military history, encountering such reproductions is unfortunately common. It underscores the importance of knowledge and vigilance when collecting military helmets and other military antiques. The third helmet offers no relief. It has a rough, sawdust-like finish, which is atypical for authentic military helmets. Upon inspecting the inside, the tells of a fake become even more apparent. The interior has been manipulated to mimic aging, and there's no discernible maker's mark—a key detail in authenticating military helmets. The lengths to which counterfeiters go to make these helmets appear genuine are astonishing. They even went as far as applying a sawdust texture to the inside, attempting to replicate the wear and patina of a true WWII helmet. Sadly, this helmet, like the others, is not an authentic military collectible. After unboxing these three helmets, it's clear that none of them are genuine. To illustrate the differences, I bring out one of my own helmets, which is an authentic piece from my collection of military antiques. By comparing the liners, chin straps, and overall construction, the discrepancies become evident. The liners on the fake helmets are of the wrong color and material, sometimes even resembling Norwegian post-war liners rather than genuine German WWII liners. The chin strap materials differ significantly as well. In authentic military helmets, the chin straps and liners have specific materials and construction methods that are difficult to replicate accurately. When comparing my authentic M35 helmet to the fake M42 helmet, even though they are different models, the differences in quality and authenticity are stark. The chin strap on the fake M42 is cracking, likely due to being soaked in water to artificially age it. The liner is not only the wrong type but also artificially aged to deceive potential buyers. The issue of fake military helmets flooding the market is a significant problem for collectors and dealers alike. It emphasizes the importance of buying from reputable sources and educating oneself on the characteristics of authentic military antiques. At Military Antiques Toronto, we are committed to providing genuine WWII collectibles and helping fellow enthusiasts navigate the complexities of military memorabilia. Please check out our website at MilitaryAntiquesToronto.com