German WWII Heer Helmet Value?

My father brought back some souvenirs from WWII (30th Infantry - D-Day + 30 to the Elbe, 60mm Mortar Crew). He spent 6 months on the front lines including the Battle of the Bulge at Melmedy.

Although he never talked much about his experiences he did mention the souvenirs came from a Hitler Youth disarmed at the end of the war. The items included a pistol belt, dress tunic, gas mask and the helmet shown here. The Luger disappeared in transit and the other items have also been lost before my mother died.

As I remember the tunic was quite small as is the helmet. I can find no identifying marks other than on the tip of the chin strap and in the top of the leather liner. There is a WD scratched in the back underside of the helmet. These initials do not match any in our family.

It looks like a M42 helmet, (no rolled edge) and with the decal this would date it pre 1943 the size should be round the underneath of the rim, usually at the rear or at the side near the chin strap buckle .

In the UK a helmet in that condition with decal I would guess around 250 pounds + or - 50, it is a guess as its been a long time since I dabbled in helmets. last one I sold was approx 8 years ago and that sold for 160 pounds and was in same condition.

I think a helmet in that good a condition complete with a full lining, decal, and chin strap in the states these days would probably bring around $600+, Ray

Oh yeah, $600 Easy over here on the East coast anyhow. At the last auction I attended $1000 plus with no liner and very faded decals. Same thing for U.S M1's. GBUSMC you have a very fine example there although it can't be proved, a child sized hitler youth helmet would be a prized possession of mine.

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Originally Posted by WarPig1976

Oh yeah, $600 Easy over here on the East coast anyhow. At the last auction I attended $1000 plus with no liner and very faded decals. Same thing for U.S M1's. GBUSMC you have a very fine example there although it can't be proved, a child sized hitler youth helmet would be a prized possession of mine.

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I have an HJ helmet. It's too heavy to wear.

All I have is a Repo..:(

I see the size number 56 stamped on the liner, that would be like a US hat size 7 [small]

my guess is the shell is probably a size 62 for that liner size

An authentic M42 in that condition here in Texas with undamaged and present liner, chinstraps, and perfect decal is like GOLD here these days. There aren't many available anymore.

I agree $600 at least. If you decide to sell it I'd put it on an auction site and you might get a lot more.

I just purchased one here in NC a week ago, I paid 470.00 with no liner inside or chin strap only the band. I would imagine your's would bring 600.00+ with the liner and chin strap being present and in that good of shape.

https://plus.google.com/photos/11044...CNqLuP_J3KWkIA

In the Screening Room... :)

Manufacture of German Military Helmets (WWII Archive Footage)

Regards,
Doug