Mauser Helmet
 

I have received some days ago this nice Mauser Helmet.
I assume that these helmets were used by employees or guards most probably during WWII or after. I am wondering if some of you has more info or maybe pictures about the use of these helmets.
Cheers,
Mauro

http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/p3030193r.jpg
http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/p3030199r.jpg
http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/p3080192r.jpg
http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/p3080196r.jpg
http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/p3080199r.jpg
http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/p3080200r.jpg
http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/p3080202r.jpg
http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/p3080204r.jpg

Maybe it's the picture but the high gloss of the paint leads me to belive that their is no primer coat underneath the paint. I had a M35 that some one stripped off the orginal paint and repainted it using a spray can. And the result was a high gloss finnish due to the bare metal underneath. Also the decal should have some sort of lacquer over the decal and along the border of the helmet where the decal is. Anyway that is how the military ones should be. Interesting helmet with the Mauser logo.

Mauro,

It is a "Werkschutz' factory guard helmet. I know a collector who said that he went to Germany to buy a collection and 75% turned out to be reproductions. These are being reproduced with BMW, Walther, Messerschmidt, Folk-Wolfe and many other labels.

I have no information on how to spot the repros from original.

Ron

There's another "Mauser" marked one for sale on a Dutch auction site.
That one looks more like a fire brigade helmet to me.

http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/mauser_helmet1.jpg

http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/mauser_helmet2.jpg

http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/mauser_helmet3.jpg

Mauro, I found one two years ago at a local gunshow that had BMW decals on the exterior like yours. Inside it had decals indicating property of BMW factory air raid warden. The helmet I had was fiber construction with metal trim. The chin strap was similar but not exactly the same.

Hello guys,
Thank you for the info. I am far to be expert on this matter therefore all tips you provided to me are really useful.
If in the future you meet similar stuff, just remember this topic and upate it.
Cheers,
Mauro

Hello Mauro,

A few years ago, I gave a similar Mauser helmet to a friend as a gift. I cannot determine whether these (firemen) helmets are genuine, but if I had to take a WAS, I suppose that they are reproductions aimed at collectors who want to have some amusement. I had also noticed one in the past with a Walther banner.

The remarks I can mention against your type of helmet is that the paint finish would probably be dull/matt and not gloss, and the Mauser banner would be painted on the helmet instead of a decal. In addition, the helmet liner appears as if it has never been worn on a head.

The helmet is an attractive decoration as long as it was not expensive and I doubt that it had links to the Mauser factory pre-1945. You can always wear it as protection if bombs were to drop on Belgium!!!

Have fun,
Albert

Hi Albert,
Thank you for your comment. I agree with you that it is a curious item; this is why I have bought it.
For sure this kind of helmets, original or not, are not really common therefore it is a nice add-on to my collection of Mauser stuff.
Concerning the Mauser Banner, it is not a sticky label; I canâ??t remove it without removing the paint of the area. It seems more another layer of paint but for sure not a decal.
Now in Belgium there is a big storm and I am replying to you wearing the helmetâ?¦:p
Have fun,
Mauro