There is no excuse for selling fakes
I often hear collectors defend dealers , it is an honest mistake , it’s a good guy , you can’t know everything , he refunded me so I am happy.
What I’m concerned selling fakes is no way to treat customers and people should be less understanding when it happens. Be glad you get your money back but don’t say your happy of the service ! Even if the dealer was clueless about it , fuck it he is responsible. He’s the one that calls his website : Jimmy’s Authentic WW2 memorabilia – 100% Original stuff. It’s on him !
We as customers have the power in our wallets. Tougher customers will make it tougher for the frauds , tougher for the clueless dealers.
Take a look at this video at 9:09 , Antiques dealer Wittman passes a table FULL of fake SS helmets. What’s his excuse ? It’s his job for Christ sakes.
Catawiki
This helmet was reviewed by their expert and given the thumbs up. After I complained the listing was cancelled. Fake decal of course , painted name is also added later. Also the lot number is a good indicator that the helmet should not have a decal.
Auctions websites can yield very nice items but only for those with an expert eye and a great deal of experience. If you have to buy from them based on their experience you are in for disappointment.
History hunter
This was up for auction as an authentic M42 SS helmet and people were bidding on it. After it was brought up on the German Helmet Walhalla forum the auction was cancelled.
Bad liner , bad decal.
Hermann Historica
Another example of an upgraded authentic helmet with the Signal magazine logo. It’s without a doubt post war added to increase the helmet value. Some poor soul will pay 1600 euros for a 250 euro helmet.
Galerie d´Histoire
A H
Historical Antiques, Orders and Medals
I kid you not , initials AH.
A fake FJ helmet for 5250 euros
Fake DRK decals
Wittman Antique Militaria
As I wrote in previous blog post , helmets with factory logo’s are rare and authentic firefighter helmets with no or damaged decals can be upgraded easily for maximum profit. Wittman has several civic helmets where the factory logo or stencils have been post war added. Priced at times 5 the real value without the logo.
Remember , fake helmets means more stuff in their inventory is fake so make sure to get more opinions on items you are interested in.
Happy hunting!
Frank