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Fresh out of the Woodwork...Black M35 SS helmet from Glenview, Illinois

Issue #1 Champagne Runic Decals on M42 CKL helmets

Issue #2 March 2009

M1935 Black Allgemeine SS helmet....Out of the Woodwork!!!!!

I know many of you guys have been discussing the M1935 DD Black Allgemeine SS helmet and it has created a consider buzz across the helmet collecting community around the World.   It was just an amazing find and simply incredible.  Several weeks ago I am at my desk working away on the computer and an email came across.   I launched the attachment and my first reaction is that it's a fake as it is just too perfect.   But within a few seconds I took note that the SS decal does seem to be a CA Pocher Runic decal.   Hundreds of fake Black SS helmets have those rotten looking 1970s Japanese Runes that are easily identified as fakes.   So, I zoom in and sure enough, you can even see the inner border that we often see on the Pocher Runic decals.   That was a great sign.   Then I checked out the pictures of the Party decal and immediately loved the crazing and the patina.   I began to realize that this helmet may be real.....unbelievable.   I forwarded the pictures to a couple of guys that focus on SS helmet, Darryl Pajot and Doug Buhler.   Doug and Darryl both have experience with the Black SS helmets.  I have to tell you, I have never owned a Black SS and only a few collectors have had the chance to own or even handle one.   Initial vibe from Darryl was good but he was curious about the inside being all black.  In my opinion, Darryl is one of the best in the World and is always willing to assist in identifying the good and the bad.   His eye for SS helmets is just incredible.    Doug himself has developed quite the eye as well.   I want to be sure to send out my thank you to both of these guys.  They are assets to our hobby.     

Once I had some indications from these fellows that this one may be the real deal, I googled the lady that contacted me from Glenview, IL.   I had a good conversation with her and my gut instinct was that she was a nice honest lady and was giving me 100% correct and accurate information.    The helmet belonged to her brother who had had the helmet since around 1950 or thereabouts.   Upon his passing several years the family cleaned out his possessions and came across the helmet.   The helmet was almost tossed out as several of the grown children didn't like the 'Nazi' karma with the helmet.   Well, one of the son's had the foresight to grab it and to keep it.   Roll the calendar forward a few years and he decided to go some research.   He had contacted me and had also contacted Kelly Hicks.   In discussions he decided to allow me to sell this helmet on consignment.   I didn't have the cash to grab it so consignment worked out best for both of us.  Kelly's initial assessment was that he liked it but was thrown by the inside being completely black in the dome area.    Darryl also had the same question.   Once I received the helmet I noticed an early dome stamp, "66".  Early factory issued M35s from the ET plant would stamp the size in the dome before they adopted the dome stamp we are used to seeing.   I photographed this helmet and then promptly sent it via UPS up to Kelly for his assessment.   Kelly quickly realized that this helmet was factory issued Black M35 helmet.   

We believe that it's the only factory issued Black SS helmet known to exist and it's quite a mystery as to how many were issued.  Kelly believes that it could have been produced as a 'prototype' or perhaps a special order for the SS.   Kelly was blown away by the condition of the piece as was I.  Kelly is going to include it in his next book.   When I first handled the piece, I just could not get over had well preserved the black factory paint is.   Overall, this helmet is just incredible and I believe that this is the German helmet of all German helmets.  It is estimated that around two dozen black SS helmets survive.   This one ranks right up there in the top.   And the amazing thing, this helmet came out of the woodwork and had never been in a collection.   This helmet really excites me and demonstrates that there are still great pieces out there tucked away in closets, attics, and trunks, just waiting to be discovered.  That is totally cool and makes me look forward to what our future holds in the World of Helmet Collecting.

I hope you enjoyed this issue and please feel free to contact me for more information or any questions on the topic.

Happy hunting!

Dave 

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There will be a 4.0% fee for PayPal purchases. For PayPal, simply provide me with your e-mail address and the item(s) you want and I will forward you a PayPal invoice.   

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Items will be shipped after the check clears for items paid with personal checks. 

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Dave Shirlin

100 Cannon Drive

Hendersonville NC 28792

USA