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Any progress on the hat stretcher ???

They are copying these too now but I like the look of this one because you have two different buckle centres if you look closely (see highlighted areas). When they copy such items they tend to use two the same, nice score! Perhaps you can salvage a striker system from a similar civilian item, I can keep my eyes open! Best Rich

Ed, 3 different items for me so back to the sum of the parts. While it is ascetically pleasing I doubt the case maker matches the chain maker, I have highlighted that in the picture. Also the Cross has lost its original ring and is attached by what looks like an identical ring that was part of the chain originally (like the one attaching the dangly thing) so perhaps/likely something was removed to fit the cross. I have seen lots of these sort of things but most date from between the wars and sport WW1 awards? I guess if you add it all up and you are happy then fine. I would try the vendor at 120 and meet at 150 because both the chain and cross are 'damaged', the case is nothing out of the ordinary. Best Rich

I like them untouched, another good score, cheap and cheerful too, bonus! Rich

Just like all my cat's, Im rescuing Troppenhelms now.😄 Just added this one, was a great price $125 US. Missing the Heer shield and strap but I get spare shields all the time, not worried about strap. Its named to an officer I believe, will research this weekend. Its 1941 dated. Need to find a LW one next. This makes 3 Heers in the collection now.

The cross looks like it was a parade mount maybe because of the small jump ring? But the cross is a 23 from what I am told and I am going to remove the case guard and put on my ww2 pocket watch

I have never seen one like it before, but it is a very nice item

And they are pricey here in UK

Is this a WW1 bomb that was dropped from a plane???

Seller is asking 200 for this. I asked a few collectors about the cross and they said it was an original very good condition. The watch fob makes me think it may be military also. The oak leaves and acorn and the way the metal loops are made remind me of the Luft dagger first model chain. The DGRM on the watch protectors case. Have you guys ever seen one like this?

I bought this cheap at a flea market. Missing the striker part but other wise all there and in good condition.

We're close... I live in Bear Valley, up Highway 4 in the High Sierra. Your collection is amazing. I'm fascinated with your Vickers Irish M27s.. amazing helmets. I have never seen one in person, let alone for sale. I really appreciate the help I've received on this forum.

Thats a real nice one!

Once again, agree with @Richard Auld. Very nice Regt marked helmet by the way.

Im a "Yank" as well @MattMcG, Sunol Calif. and as Richard stated, Finland used alot of German Gear, and also made there own using German patterns. One example is the shovel carrier, This is an SA (Suomen Armeija) marked carrier on a German WW2 shovel. Very close to the German carrier.

Thanks again Mr. Auld.

Pictures aren't the best but a similar grey was also applied on board by sailors when painting the ships? Not really my area but I remember passing up a grey painted helmet only to meet a pal that was very happy having bought it and he cleared it up for me that the Kriegsmarine used a ship grey paint too. Many Eastern EU states used German surplus after the war, even the Germans did, in particular the BGS, Police and Fire brigade. The forum is very slow as most people seem to prefer Facebook or the other social media type platforms. It has nothing to do with nationality. The busier forum is WAF but be careful it is full of bandits and sharks. Rich

I’m a grubbing yank... and I get it. This is the first forum I’ve been part of and find the information fascinating. That being said, did Finland also use German surplus for their standing army? I have no idea either way and appreciate any info.

Thank you sir!

Looks like a nice mid war liner. Leather is too big for a 64 shell. That leather should be in a 66/68 shell/liner. But doesn't mean it wasn't original when the helmet was refurbished in Norway. That paint looks almost ship board gray. Im just thinking out loud. Had a few Guinness today. so will have another look when I return!

Thanks for the help. The leather has 7 fingers and the stitching seems strange. Was this altered post war or made with late war haste?

@MattMcGwelcome to the forum! Acetone on the liner should help remove the Norwegian red. Have you any photos? make sure to use some saddle soap after the acetone.

Hello, I'm new to this forum and have been going over some of the older posts. I have a Finnish reissue, German made M42 with an original liner dated 1943. The helmet was painted yet again after retirement from Finnish use, and a very bad color at that. I would like to bring it back to life, but the leather has the horrible red dye. It was stated that its not easy to remove. My thought is acetone and elbow grease... am I headed in the right direction? thanks, Matt

Too small really , copper bombs were 24 lb and made of cast iron or steel . that was my first thought too.

Looks like something called a Cooper Bomb.