Gard M16 camo
- Thread starter Duguesclin
- Start date
C. Roelens
Member
Laurent, send it back if you can! It's a humped-up helmet made to deceive. All of the outside paint application was done post war. The liner system, including liner pins are reproductions. Is this an eBay helmet? Helmets like these have been coming out of Europe for a very long time. A few years ago, a U.S. eBay seller with two or three different usernames started selling these WWI and WWII fake helmets, liners, chinstraps, etc. Chuck
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John Josef
Well-known member
How depressing. 
C. Roelens
Member
Sorry for any confusion... the M16 Prussian Garde, Company 6 camo is textbook original. It is not a European scam helmet!
C. Roelens
Member
Nice helmet Michel... looks familiar. 
Digger1915
Active member
The camo/Guard helmet posted Laurent is unfortunately all bad. Paint is a post war fabrication while the pads appear to be fakes held with what appear to be round bottom fake liner pins. The rear pin should the raised type used to hold the stirnpanzer strap from slipping down the back of the helmet if worn. Band also looks fake with non-period type stitching in the rear. Hopefully a refund can be given.
gino1
Well-known member
Oh, damn it, you think this one is original but it isn't. I think there are a lot of fake helmets that look like these in collections and claim to be authentic. I know there is a maker of all the fake helmets somewhere in Eastern Europe who would claim they are the good ones. That's why I don't dare buy them at militaria fairs; with that money you can buy other things.
CLOVIS 57
Well-known member
As mentioned above, contemporary painting done by a speculative margoulin. Rusted paint on the hull, voluntary blows in the paint, to give an aspect of "experience". Excessive, "crumbling" rust accelerated by a corrosive device such as acid or salt. Fake camouflage, fake inner liner, and also "aged" to deceive.
John Josef
Well-known member
Camo helmets can make even levelheaded collectors with a bit of knowledge and experience throw out all logical thought to justify a purchase or convince even themselves of a helmet's authenticity.
I've seen it countless times.
Isn't anyone else even a little bit suspicious that new members seem to pop up on forums post pictures of aged reproductions ask for opinions on why they are bad then disappear.
IMO they are trying to hone their craft by correcting the tells with the help of forum members.
MFG John Josef
I've seen it countless times.
Isn't anyone else even a little bit suspicious that new members seem to pop up on forums post pictures of aged reproductions ask for opinions on why they are bad then disappear.
IMO they are trying to hone their craft by correcting the tells with the help of forum members.
MFG John Josef
2nd.Leibhusar
Well-known member
coert65
Well-known member
I have seen that picture, and more from the same guy. A French guy, making a living out of this, if I remember correctly.Seen this picture ones.
I guess it says it all
Digger1915
Active member
I’d like to see a closeup or some examples of his helmets. There are some very good fakes out there, but in my experience a fake camo or altered WW1 steel helmet will not stand up to scrutiny in comparison to an untouched original. 100+ year old patina is almost impossible to reproduce. Having said that, there will always be a few helmets in the grey area of being almost believable and sometimes that’s where years of experience balanced with gut instinct comes into play.Seen this picture ones.
I guess it says it all
John Josef
Well-known member
Seen this picture ones.
I guess it says it all
I believe this gentleman is a member here and posted this picture before.
He had a workshop years ago in France and turned them out, seemed like a nice enough fellow. He certainly wasn't trying to fool anyone, I believe he said it was his hobby.
The problem is once they enter the market that's where the stories start. I've even seen people put period addressed and stamped letters fronts on them and sell them as mail backs.
He certainly isn't the only one.
They have finally figured out that they don't even need to worry about liners or liner pins all they have to do is work on a shell list it on Ebay and someone will buy it and for good money.
Buyers beware
Digger1915
Active member
I think you may be thinking of the guy working out of Latvia. His are quite good but not good enough. Thougg in 50-60 years his helmets with have a lot of patina.
There was a very good WW2 helmet painted known as Rex and he would sign his helmets so as to make them recognisable. What saddens me is that so many good original feldgrau helmets are being ruined by these fakers just to make money. It is the inexperienced in the hobby, and there are more than experienced, that the fakers make their money from. It’s what keeps them in business as there is always a steady supply.I believe this gentleman is a member here and posted this picture before.
He had a workshop years ago in France and turned them out, seemed like a nice enough fellow. He certainly wasn't trying to fool anyone, I believe he said it was his hobby.
The problem is once they enter the market that's where the stories start. I've even seen people put period addressed and stamped letters fronts on them and sell them as mail backs.
He certainly isn't the only one.
They have finally figured out that they don't even need to worry about liners or liner pins all they have to do is work on a shell list it on Ebay and someone will buy it and for good money.
Buyers beware
Bobted
Well-known member
I agree you cant replicate 110 years of hanging around a basement, attic or garage. Rob
Bobted
Well-known member
Thin lines! RobSeen this picture ones.
I guess it says it all
John Josef
Well-known member
Hi Rob,
I'm Just curious about which helmet or helmets you're referring to when mentioning thin lines and if that is something you see as a 100% tell.
Just trying to clarify for all the newer or younger collectors/members looking in,
Thanks, in advance for your thoughts.