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A great amount of debate exists among
collectors regarding what type of wire was actually used during the
World War II time period. So diverse are the opinions on
"chicken wire" that many collectors dismiss any helmet with wire as
instantly being a "fake" without second thought. However, it
is clear that wire was used on some German helmets. Wartime
photos as well as authenticated helmets exist that bear this point
out.
Examination of original vs. modern
wire indicates various differences (and similarities) with wire that
was used between 1935 and 1945. The opinions of collectors can
generally be grouped into three categories regarding wartime wire:
1) All types of wire were used and there
is no science behind looking at the twists or the gage of the wire;
2) Only European wire was used and it
differs from modern and North American wire types; and
3) Any wire must be completely rusted
into a helmet shell if it is truly an original.
Some of the concepts noted above are
in fact based on lack of experience and collector "myths" which lead
people to think one way or the other regarding helmets with wire
covers. The photos below depict modern wire originating from
both European and North American sources. The differences in
gage and type of wire twist can clearly be seen. Generally
speaking, European wire has a continuous twist pattern while North
American wire reverses the twist midway. While it may be
difficult to distinguish an original wire helmet from a fake,
collectors can use the following points with some level of accuracy:
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The number of original wire camouflage
helmets is very small. Most for sale today are in fact
reproductions both old and new. Despite the controversy, the
wire used can be identified as original or modern if examined
closely.
-
Fraud artists use both North American
and modern European "chicken wire" of multiple gages and hex sizes
when crafting a helmet. Some on both continents have taken to
the practice of plucking old wire from farms and fields in order to
ensure that they are getting original wire of the proper type for
use on counterfeit helmets.
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Wire does not have to be completely
rusted into a shell in order for it to be original. While most
of the helmets that look that way are in fact original, some
authentic helmets exist that utilized zinc plated wire that does not
rust.
-
Wartime era wire was manufactured in
multiple gages and hex sizes. Most wire was zinc plated to
prevent it from rusting. However, some wire was not zinc
plated.
-
Wartime wire is generally hard and
brittle with age. However, if a helmet has been kept in good
condition the wire is likely to have flex (or be bendable).
The photos below are grouped by
European and North American classifications. All of the wire
shown is modern despite the fact that some has naturally aged.
The first two European wires are identical to wartime produced wire
and would be hard to distinguish from original when examined
closely.
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