Thatww1pigeon Posted 23 October , 2023 Share Posted 23 October , 2023 Hi there everyone! I recently picked this up at a show paired with another helmet ($100 for the set). Was originally told that they were both reproductions but went to several vendors that told me this one was original, especially the shell itself. The liner itself is leather, and the metal prongs that hold the liner together are dated 1916. It seems as though the liner has also been sewn together in places. B.D.64 may be the maker/size? There are also markings on the inside of the liner pads as well, but I am unsure if they are German or Austrian. There is also a 36 painted in the rear of the helmet…maybe that is division or regiment but I am also unsure about that. Any help would be great as I am not an expert on helmets. thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peregrinvs Posted 23 October , 2023 Share Posted 23 October , 2023 I’m sure the real experts will chip in shortly, but my initial impression is that this is a cleverly aged repro. I don’t think BD is a known maker mark, the lettering looks a little crude as does the quality of the fold over of the rim. The dirt, wear and corrosion is also giving me an ‘induced’ vibe. But I could be wrong. Even if it is a repro, it would make a good display piece. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thatww1pigeon Posted 23 October , 2023 Author Share Posted 23 October , 2023 Thank you. I looked at German maker marks and none came up, figuring it may be Austrian or perhaps another nation. But I don’t know if any other nation produced these types of helmets for the central powers. But yes, I am skeptical and fascinated at the same time. Hopefully I can get some insight! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dai Bach y Sowldiwr Posted 23 October , 2023 Share Posted 23 October , 2023 I know nothing whatsoever about helmets or any other militaria, but the leather in that liner is never 100 years old. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyBsk Posted 24 October , 2023 Share Posted 24 October , 2023 64 looks like size, the BD is unknown , the liner is like mentioned not old, the ink stamp is not good, probably there is Csepel for Hungarian town. Anyway the unit stamp is probably not korekt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thatww1pigeon Posted 24 October , 2023 Author Share Posted 24 October , 2023 AndyBsk thank you. It looks quite well done to be a repro. Do you think the wear (especially on the outside of the helmet) could be a repro? Like peregrinvs said it looks quite good to be a repro Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyBsk Posted 24 October , 2023 Share Posted 24 October , 2023 Maybe the helmet body is ok, i am not expert on WW1 helmets, anyway the liner and the used leather material is not 100 years old, which is evident. When You have other german WW1 helmet compare the weight as repro helmets are not made from so heavy material as real one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thatww1pigeon Posted 4 November , 2023 Author Share Posted 4 November , 2023 Ah I see. Thank you all for your input! I was left guessing for a while. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GothaGVb Posted 13 November , 2023 Share Posted 13 November , 2023 Here is a list of all German and Austria-Hungarian manufacturers. "BD" is not on any list and the font is wrong for what you usually see on a WW1 helmet. This entire helmet is a very well aged reproduction. Still a good display piece, and well worth $50 in my opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thatww1pigeon Posted 14 November , 2023 Author Share Posted 14 November , 2023 Appreciate the input GothaGVb…I do not see the list you mentioned. Perhaps the image did not go through? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GothaGVb Posted 14 November , 2023 Share Posted 14 November , 2023 Odd, it seems the link disappeared. Here are screen shots of the tables. The first table is German, the second is Austro-Hungarian. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thatww1pigeon Posted 15 November , 2023 Author Share Posted 15 November , 2023 Bummer, I was hoping mine was from the Transylvania manufacturer…that would’ve been cool. Guess we will never know for sure🤣 Otherwise, thank you. The information is much appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GothaGVb Posted 15 November , 2023 Share Posted 15 November , 2023 No problem! Enjoy the helmet! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thatww1pigeon Posted 15 November , 2023 Author Share Posted 15 November , 2023 Much appreciated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FeReise Posted 23 March Share Posted 23 March I might be wrong about this. But after I notice the lower chinstrap rivet, I have a feeling this one 'might' belong to Germans. Source: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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