I too have thought about posting here, some ebay pickelhaubes. As a newbie as well, I had figured that any good deal was going to be immediately snatched by a member here. It is pretty difficult to find an item that you can get for a bargain. I have accepted that the best course of action is trying to better educate myself, to pick up details and how to identify good haubes from "franken-haube" (Put together from various others) or complete forgeries. I have appreciated members telling me about reputable sellers on other sites like Helmut Weitze and the folks at Age of Kings Militaria. I have had positive transactions with both of these sellers and they are both reputable dealers. But, they are dealers so you might as well accept that there are no bargains. They will be honest in their dealings and will be forthright about the condition, provide the best photos they can. That being said, there are sometimes mistakes.
Personally, I think that there is a range when it comes to prices. Just like there is an ebb and flow when it comes to items coming to the market.
So, those who have, say there are several out there; those who want, they are looking and looking to no avail. Mind you, those who have won't sell you theirs.
I had an experience where, I had just gotten into Mützenband collecting. I had been looking for the Panzerschiff Admiral Graf Spee. I had been looking and was told by others that this was a more common tally, that they turn up. However, after about 12 months, and finding nothing, I came across one on ebay. It was a genuine metal thred version, full length, and had a worn appearance. Long story short, I bought that tally for €550. When I shared that with other like-minded members, they were shocked. They thought I overpaid by a good €250. But, I was able to complete my collection of the Panzerschiffe. Yes, three months later, there was more examples that did find their way through the "wood work". For much more "acceptible" prices as told to me by members. But you know what I did? I bought those examples too.
"Double Down". Ha Ha. After all, to me, it was a "bargain" compared to the eye popping ammount I had dropped on my first. I got to complete my collection sooner and it looks great. I don't have any regrets. My collection has the same philosophy as dollar cost averaging.
I just completed my named German ships of Jutland 1916. I tell you what. the Smaller ships were the ones that were the most difficult to find. But, when a dealer found out that I was willing to pay the kind of price that he felt was "reasonable" in his mind, I was able to complete that part of the collection. I searched for over many years for a S.M.S. Luetzow to no avail. Finally, I got that one and I paid a hefty price on ebay.de to keep all the poachers off. Still ended up "overpaying" a bit, even in my mind but, I have no regrets. A completed collection is more impressive than having a partial or incomplete one (In my humble opinion) in this specific field.
Getting off my soap box, I just thought I would share my knowledge when it comes to collecting and when someone is giving you a reference for a price. There is a wide range when it comes to prices. If you are fortunate to get a helmet, it might be best to invest in the best thing you can find. Quality and care vs. quantity. The quality period piece will be appreciate and will maintain its demand and maintain if not, increase in value as these are pieces of leather that are constantly changing in an ever increasing hostile environment. Pickelhaubes and militaria is kind of like cars.... Only you can't drive them or take them out for a "Spin". A pristine old car is going to fetch more money and will have a much bigger market than a car that has been put together with inaccurate parts, has significant damage, fixed or not, and might have things missing entirely that need to be replaced. Same thing with a 'Haube.
Best of luck in you collecting.
"A Quality item will never be offered at a discount/bargain to someone who isn't friend/family first"
JustinG
P.S. If you made it through my ramblings, well good for you. You have some fortitude. -Cheers