14 replies to this topic

[Angrybudgie]

After an initial look at helmets some time ago, I still look now and then to see if I can pick the duds... this one has been on for awhile http://cgi.ebay.com....E:B:WNA:AU:1123 and almost finished, it has attracted no bids. I can't see anything wrong with it, apart from the painted on Divisional patch, which isn't 'wrong' just out of place on the aussie site. Am I missing something important that I should know about, if I want to buy one at some time. Or is it just that it is an American patch? The second question is, what is thought of the asking price?

Elizabeth

[THE SHINY SEVENTH]

Hi Elizabeth, it does look to be a nice original British Brodie. Price seems about right for an e-bay item, but do you want one with an American Divisional patch? Regards Sean

[Angrybudgie]

Hi Sean,

Not sure that I do want one with US markings, but I put it on my watch list out of interest. At the moment I'm more honing my skill at picking good from bad. We are considering a trip to UK next year, so might work on my knowledge for the things I would like, and perhaps shop there, work out what to look for and what are reasonable prices.

Elizabeth

[Wainfleet]

The price is more or less ok, if you wanted this particular helmet for keeps. If you just wanted an example you'd probably be better with a plain one, which will probably cost more than an identifiably American one.

There are lots of helmets with US signs. If you bought this one and later decided to move it on, you'd probably have to take a loss. Rarities, excellent examples and other desirable items are still commanding top prices, but the market has probably reached its peak. It is struggling a bit now and run of the mill items are either sticking or selling low.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

The helmet looks fine, and has the painted insignia of the U.S. 30th Division.
LF

Attached Files

•  30th_insigniasmallcopy.jpg   23.12K   0 downloads

[THE SHINY SEVENTH]

It did'nt sell, but then you probably know that. It does look a nice example though, would it be worth a cheeky LOW post-auction offer and maybe look at removing the insignia? Regards Sean

[trenchtrotter]

Removing the insignia!!!!! NEVER NEVER NEVER! This is how we lose original historic items, if it is original then it is our duty to conserve! Heck theres enough bog standard brodies out there without insignia just to consign this to history cos it isnt British!

So many good things ruined with advice like this. Surely this is not what this forum should advise.

I await feed back but am shocked!!!!

TT

[Wainfleet]

I am pretty much of TT's opinion on removing the insignia. However even if I weren't, there'd be no point in trying as it isn't possible to do that without leaving obvious marks. Once a helmet's had painted insignia it can never be a truly plain one again, so best forget about that idea.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

The U.S. 30th Division had a superb combat history during WW1, and the helmet is actually far more valuable, both historically and financially, with the insignia intact, I am surprised that it was not purchased by an American collector.
It is a British made, genuine Brodie helmet.
For information on the U.S. 30th Division
www.archives.ncdcr.gov/wwi/oldnorthstate/30thdivision.htm
LF

[Lancashire Fusilier]

Update - I noticed that the seller is only offering it for sale in Australia, they would be advised to offer it to the U.S.A.
LF

[THE SHINY SEVENTH]

trenchtrotter, on 25 June 2012 - 04:36 PM, said:

Removing the insignia!!!!! NEVER NEVER NEVER! This is how we lose original historic items, if it is original then it is our duty to conserve! Heck theres enough bog standard brodies out there without insignia just to consign this to history cos it isnt British!

So many good things ruined with advice like this. Surely this is not what this forum should advise.

I await feed back but am shocked!!!!

TT

I would not have suggested it if I thought for one minute that the Insignia was original, which I dont think it is, but yes TT you are correct, maybe not the best piece of advice, apologies Sean

[Lancashire Fusilier]

Sean,
The 30th Division insignia looks correct, and I am sure that if someone wanted to fabricate a U.K. manufactured Brodie helmet, why pick a little known ( outside of the U.S. ) U.S. Divisional sign, why not fabricate a British or Australian Division, they would certainly price for a lot more.
Hopefully, this helmet will find its way back to the U.S.
Regards,
LF

[Angrybudgie]

Sean: Yes I know that. Not going to offer a post auction offer, but if it is relisted at a lower price, consider it gone.

TT: Don't worry, removing the insignia never entered my head. I did look at the 30th's history as I thought it possible they were here in Oz in early 42 with old helmets. As an American example from WW1 it is probably a good one.

As I said earlier this was partly an exercise to test my ability to pick a good 'un.  Here in Oz we are a little handicapped when it comes to shopping opportunities, can't always access those bog standard brodies easily. If the proposed trip to UK & France/Flanders comes off next year I do plan to be sending some items home. I thought ebay was a good place to look at a variety of different offerings good & bad.

Be warned you are going be my preferred source of advice to increase my knowledge. Thanks again gentlemen for your input, it is much appreciated.

Elizabeth

[Wardog]

US eBay was the best place for British Brodies a few years back and I bought several for around the $80 mark. Have sold some on since from £120-£200. Regards, Paul.

[Waddell]

Angrybudgie, on 25 June 2012 - 11:35 PM, said:

..
TT: Don't worry, removing the insignia never entered my head. I did look at the 30th's history as I thought it possible they were here in Oz in early 42 with old helmets. As an American example from WW1 it is probably a good one.

Elizabeth,

It wouldn't surprise me if a bit of bartering occurred between the A.I.F and the 30th Division at the end of the war. I have a nice 30th Division tunic I purchased locally that would go well with that helmet and have seen a bit of Doughboy gear around locally.

I vaguely recall that a lot of the insignia on these helmets were painted by the Americans after hostilities?

Hope you find a good example eventually!

Scott