they are interesting but i cant buy them since i'm new to the forum but i know someone around here would be interested

I picked this helmet up over the weekend. I haven't had a chance to go to the local antique shops in a while and this one ruined the trip by being on the first shelf of the first booth in the first place I went. I snatched it up and blew my budget.   No identification I can find, unfortunately.   Heat stamp 188A, Inland 22 marked transitional liner with snaps for the headband. Looks like 80 years of sweat stains accompanied by Texas heat and humidity has made the headband very fragile, so I'd love any tips for preservation.   I wonder if that's original 1943 icky stuff between the helmet and liner.   I'm an enthusiast, not an expert, but I think I did well at $200.

The brim has come out very nice and defined. Given it is a little bit shorter than an original, but the pint is to get the signature appearance of the brim poking out from the shell. Which it definetly has. Looking for suggestions on what pattern of fiber liner to do on the inside. Type 1,2, or 3? Let me know if anyone has any ideas.

Alright all, this morning the glue dried and I taped the brim and then coated it in a 40/60 solution of water and PVA glue. This will hold it together and “impregnate” it in a harder protective layer. After that dries today it’s time to start working on the inside.

Thank you for the help

This is a shock.  I've known Eric since he was a kid through his Dad, Bob Queen, a fellow USMC collector.  We have kept in touch all these years, and we would visit when he still lived in California.  As said above, a very nice and knowledgeable person.  Along with his love of dogs and war dogs, he was also an expert in WWII German paratroopers, and wrote an excellent book on the gear they used:  "Red Shines the Sun".  I will miss him.   Steve   

Nice finds!

Ah yes.  Upon closer inspection, it is a piece of tape.  (Not quite the same as an integral piece of khaki material! ) Thought this was a great variation I had never seen before.

The medal insert is indeed enameled and should be purple in color, though early medals are often very dark just like your example.   Allan

This is tragic news. I am so sad to learn of Eric's passing. He was a good friend and a wealth of knowledge on many subjects. RIP Eric... we will meet one day on the high ground.