Afrika Korp fake ?

[John333]

I have my suspicions about this one guys what do you all think ? 

[Fritz]

Many of these helmets were never worn and remained in storage. In the mid 1960s a lot came onto the market, they were absolutely mint, as only ever stored. Helmets recently on offer show a lot of age damage, most of them seem a bit crushed, beaten up condition, some moth damage and most of all, the leather edging has a lot of dryness, cracks and general damage, and a fading of the grey colour, broken chinstraps etc. This is due to improper storage and handling over the past 50 years.  I believe there also have been good copies circulating for some time now. The best check would be the leather, which would have some dryness and slight scuffing in time. Also check the fittings, emblems whether these are original and if they are a good tight fit. The inside should be red and green felt lined, with a light tan leather head band, which would also have some dryness to the leather by now.  The outer is of one piece of olive coloured felt, the air vent fitted extra. Earlier examples were covered in segmented canvas.  Internet photos should not be relied on, the helmet should be inspected first hand. I would say the helmet is an original. The zink fitting of the air vent in the inside crown looks aged, maker's mark looks correct.

Later felt version

A lot of examples on offer have a lot of damage and crushing, early canvas version

Fakes and reproductions are also now widespread

[Mikemike88]

This is a 2nd pattern pith helmet which was not actually issued to DAK (at least I have yet to see any period pictures showing them in use) but they did see use in other theatres such as the southern front. This does look like one of the large stock that were found in storage and unissued.