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Photo:
Reproduction Water-slide Decals. |
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Detective
Techniques |
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Reproduction decals can be readily
identified if a few simple pro-cedures are followed when
inspecting a helmet. Use the list below to begin getting
familiar with some basic detective techniques:
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Examine the graphic lines in the
decal's image using your loop magnifying lens to get a
close-up view . Modern water-slide decals exhibit very large,
jagged, and regularly spaced "teeth" resulting from the
silk-screen process. High quality dry transfer reproductions
show graphic lines that are almost too perfect. This is a
result of the computerized printing technique used in their
production. Never rely solely on the unaided eye to determine
originality!
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Test the durability of the decal.
After gaining the permission of the seller, apply slight
pressure with your finger on the decal in question. Only do
this on decals that you suspect might be fake. Reproduction
water-slide decals generally break off in large flakes or will
"lift and peel" right off of the helmet surface. Dry transfer
decals will "snag" as a result of their soft texture.
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Examine the color and quality of
any silver elements of the decal. Original decals exhibit a
bright, granulated silver look that appears very metallic in
nature. The granularity of the silver varies from fine to
medium in texture. Reproduction decals have silver components
that appear gray rather than silver as a result of the
printing technique used in their manufacture. It is best to
examine the granularity of the silver elements outdoors or
under bright lights.
The suggestions listed above are
just a few of the techniques that can be used to identify
original from reproduction decals.
As noted earlier, their is no
substitute for handling original examples and "memorizing" their
fine details. If you do not have access to original
examples, purchase books that are written by noted authorities
where close-up and detailed photos can be seen of the same
decals. Learning how to identify an original decal from a
reproduction can be accomplished when one follows the guidance
given above.
Almost every variation of known and
original decals have been cataloged and photographed in many of
the authored texts on WWII German helmet collecting. As a
final note remember the tips listed above when you assess any
helmet to determine its originality. |
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Overview
Each section of German-Helmets.com
is divided into separate Information Tracks that outline important
details, facts, and historical notes pertaining to steel helmets used by
the German Armed Forces during World War II.
Information Tracks are organized
by subject matter and their content is directly related to the service arm
or organization to which each topic is related. Topic areas that
bridge one subject matter to another are cross linked within each Information Track.
This Information Track provides collector facts pertaining to
modern helmet fakes and reproductions. Individual links related to this subject are
outlined below.
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