Real Deal Follow Me Bar?

[CGutierr]

Wondering if this Officer's Follow Me bar on the back side of this helmet currently on Ebay (item #177094133950) is for real.  I believe the Officer's rank on the front is good.

[Mr.Jerry]

Looks like there was one there earlier and then the helmet was repainted and the original stripe was covered over, and then at some point, a different one was added, not uncommon. Looks like the rank was buffed, but I don't get any major red flags.

[KurtA]

Main problem is being on Ebay with no provenance.  These are so easily faked and if the faker does a good job, there is no way to tell.

Just not a good thing to spend a lot of money on.  

[CGutierr]

KurtA,

I, like Mr. Jerry, think this one looks good, but, like you, I'm put off by the fact that there is no stated provenance and that it is on Ebay.  The helmet's chinstrap shows a laundry number of H7087 while the liner has initials that end with the letter 'M'.  So, probably, a post-war put together.  I've been debating whether to make an offer or not, but my better judgement tells me to pass even though the shell may be legit.

CG

[KurtA]

Agree the helmet itself looks fine.  It’s just that strip of white paint, that adds $1000 to the price,  that is in question.

[TheGoose]

I know the owner, who is active on Facebook and I believe he is a member here.  Let me know if you want his contact info.  I am sure he would discount it to account for the fees for a direct sale.

 

The shell has been repainted, but that is common for helmets that saw a lot of use especially an early shell like this.  It does look like there is another ETO bar under the paint to the left of the bar shown.  Another good sign is the discoloration inside the shell due to the heat when the insignia was brazed/soldered/otherwise affixed to the shell.  The shell and liner were paired together, but the liner is worth money too.

 

All in all, its a good helmet.  As far as price goes, it is whatever you are willing to spend.  M1s have gotten VERY expensive over the past few years and it has become harder to find cool items.

 

 

 

 

[CMT04]

Is the repaint wwii?