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The decals shown below depict some of the
most recent additions to the ever growing number of counterfeit decals.
The top three from left to right are the same decal but with different
"aging" techniques applied in an effort to create the impression that
the decals are authentic. Each of these decals were found on
helmets being sold by well-known and established helmet vendors with
reportedly "impeccable" reputations. Many collectors now recognize
these decals as counterfeit but there are those who still believe them
to be authentic. This particular pattern of decal appeared in the
mid-1990's and all came from central European sources. The decal
on the left side of the bottom row is a reproduction water-slide decal
printed in Czechoslovakia. These decals began to appear in the
1980's. This style of decal is still available from many sources
and can often be found at militaria shows for less than $5.00 US.
The two decals at the center and far right of the bottom row are also
identical patterns. These decals began to appear in the late
1990's and are growing in number on helmets currently offered for sale.
All indications lead to a source in Northern Germany who has been
actively engaging in reproducing a select number of high end counterfeit
helmets. These helmets are sold directly through established
European militaria vendors and certain collecting circles. This
particular style of decal can also be found in gold coloring for the
German Navy. It is important to note this very decal made its
official reference book debut by appearing in
German Helmets of the Second World War Volume I by Branislav
Radovic published in January 2002. Here it has been described as
"authentic" when in fact it is a recently made high end reproduction.
Counterfeit artists have now accomplished the
ability to replicate the proper metallic look of an authentic decal. Various elements of the overall designs shown
below lack the character of true originals. Specific details concerning
why the decals differ from authentic examples will not be
described here in an effort to prevent counterfeit artists from
modifying or "correcting" the faults inherent in the examples shown.
Return to the Reproduction Decals Main Page
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