Illustrating the thinking process

Combat Relics · Joined: 14 Jul 2007 Posts: 225

People wonder why an occasional fake slips by on the website.
First it is hard to tell sometimes because of bad pictures.

It is hard to determine an item's originality unless it is a standard type that is obvious and that is know to the person making the determination.

Age and damage can obscure the details and nature of an item. Lack of information through lack of adequate pictures of quality can further lessen the info available to make the judgment.

If something is a 'made to completely fool collectors' type, it is especially dangerous because it was patterned after an item that IS original. Usually a side by side comparison with a known original will give the fake away.

If you do not have that luxury, the thinking process and actual work are the best bet for success. IF you want to be confident in your acquisitions, and not simply rely for others to 'help' you (save you the effort of being competent)

An item has appeared which causes me doubt. it is...
Item #: F15803
Rare SS Helmet M 35 double decal, dated 1938

Can I state that it is No doubt a fake? No I can not with authority say that.
What I can do is think, and decide whether it is of interest at the amount of my currency I would invest.

I observe and interpret this item this way...

The 'Age Bleaching' of the paint extends fully over the protected interior of the dome, and apparently so does the rough texture. The rough paint on the exterior shows smooth early green under it. Should the interior dome be smooth green early paint?
Funny how the dirt and grime got up into that area but the paint around the liner band is fresh, clean and new looking. How does that miracle happen?
The rust is well seated on the surface where ever 'battle damage' has chipped the paint, but the edge where sitting it down for years in the field, has taken away the paint and exposed untreated fresh steel? well, apparently it has not, I see lots of paint almost no bare steel and virtually no rusting.

Also all rust seems to be a fresh bright orange. Not a good sign for me.

Now these features alone cancel any interest in this item. But wait! Only $2500! My greed bone acts up! What a deal! Should I Paypal him immediately before someone else gets it? (Thank ebay for that mindset!)
Could it be that this Frenchman has missed the FACT that a double decal SS Helmet in Europe with 100% decals will fetch about $8,000-$10,000?

Sure that is real likely, after all he may have missed the news!
Lets look at what he tells us about this item...
ET 64

Liner alu first model stamped on 1938

Chinstrap 1938

Nice condition

Thats It?
..no mention of the simple common string?
no mention of the hammered liner but relatively clean exterior?
No explanation why the chinstrap buckle is all rusty unlike the rest of the piece?

Plus I have no idea who this guy is. I have never heard of him, or seen him list anything before.

Here is the only Carol Pasquier I found on the web.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Carole-Pasquier/1076107510
Somehow I DOUBT she wrote that ad.

Well my friends, enough red flags for me, I am not sending him a penny. I will let the Europeans buy this wondeful 'relic'.

Think, it is your best tool.

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