Japanese Militaria at Castle-Thunder.com

Helmets of Japan · Joined: Sep 01 2008 Posts: 18

I just got this in the mail from a old time style surplus store that trades in Militaria.

As I am new to Japanese, I wanted to ask about the paint. It is brushed on paint inside and out. Any flags so far?

Where the metal shows through there is a nice patina, in some areas on the inside, (it will be impossible to see via photos) what seems to me to be a under coat of green comes through in some places but I stress I I cannot tell for sure weather it's green or patina on the bare metal?

(Edit: News flash, took a closer look at it with a looking glass, I can see the dark green is really just bare metal with really dark patina. )

The paint on the front pin might be a little off from the rest of the helmet. Not sure with this either.

I just want to know if I got a decent helmet here or if it's been messed with? Can anyone comment? Photos to follow....

Michael

Helmets of Japan · Joined: Sep 01 2008 Posts: 18

side

Helmets of Japan · Joined: Sep 01 2008 Posts: 18

stencil

Helmets of Japan · Joined: Sep 01 2008 Posts: 18

back

Helmets of Japan · Joined: Sep 01 2008 Posts: 18

A few of the inside....

Helmets of Japan · Joined: Sep 01 2008 Posts: 18

Closer

Helmets of Japan · Joined: Sep 01 2008 Posts: 18

Last one, full shot on the inside. Just want opinions as to if this is a good one or if it should be sent back....I can post more photos on request.

gwsiii · Joined: Aug 21 2003 Posts: 2229 Location: Hayden, AL

Welcome to the forum! I checked with Jareth, he thinks it has been repainted. His response:

Helmets of Japan · Joined: Sep 01 2008 Posts: 18

Anyone else?

Francis C. Allan · Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 8:46 am Post subject: Anchor

I agree with Jareth. Also the anchor looks wrong. One of my oriignal helmets is similar in overall color, but not quite. There is no green under the tan on mine. I am pretty sure that this is re-painted example.

Frank
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Helmets of Japan · Joined: Sep 01 2008 Posts: 18

Francis, can you post a photo of your helmet for comparison? Please note, I no longer suspect green paint. It's bare metal albeit dark.

Michael

oopy38 · Joined: Aug 27 2003 Posts: 80

It seems to me (I know nothing about Japanese head gear) that the important questions are: Is it a authentic Japanese helmet, and if so, even if it is repainted, is it worth what you paid for it? Is it better to have a repainted one, than none at all?

Helmets of Japan · Joined: Sep 01 2008 Posts: 18

I am certain it's not a reproduction shell. I paid 400 for it and that is top end, maybe even a little over market value for an example like this one. If repainted then no I'd say worth far less.

Rather send it back and look around then have a repaint. I went through the re paint acceptance phase with German helmets. There is nothing like an original.

Michael

Jareth · Joined: Sep 21 2003 Posts: 65 Location: Queens, New York

Here's one of my rarest stencil anchor helmets. It's a painted camo pattern. Note color of shell as well as detail of anchor.

Helmets of Japan · Joined: Sep 01 2008 Posts: 18

Mine looks very close to that. Even the liner pin on mine is painted the same way. I'd not say exactly alike however. Is it reasonable to assume that slight veriations is normal?

I'll send you two pics of my helmet Jareth.

Michael