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Many
collectors prefer to seek helmets that contain dome stamps in
the crown. These dome stamps represent the individual
inspector's mark applied to a selected number of helmets
examined at each helmet manufacturing facility. The dome stamps
were applied only to a limited number of helmets. Not
every helmet produced received a dome stamp. While not
especially rare, dome stamps find appeal with many collectors
seeking pristine examples of untouched wartime helmets.
As one
might guess, it was only a matter of time before those involved
in counterfeiting helmets devised artificial dome stamp
markings. The dome stamp shown above is a dry transfer decal
applied to the interior of a repainted helmet and then sealed
with clear coat lacquer or acrylic. The clear coat helps to
bond the decal to the surface of the helmet and can assist in
masking the edge that would be felt around the decal.
Collectors should be aware that dome stamps can be easily faked,
especially when decals of the kind shown are available for a few
dollars over the internet and various online auctions. Other
attempts at reproduction dome stamps have utilized various
colors of paint and ink to simulate the originals.
Few if any
of the reproduction dome stamps found on helmets replicate the
exact dimensions, wording, color, or size of the originals.
Many reproduction dome stamps are in fact classified as
"fantasy" markings in the sense that what the represent is not
at all historically correct. One such dome stamp is done
in white ink and applied to reproduction black Allgemeine-SS
helmets. The few dome stamps that do pass as originals are often
times quite convincing and very hard to detect. In cases
where a dome stamp is suspect of being a fake, collectors should
inspect the entire helmet for signs of authenticy. It is likely
that other components of the helmet will show the tell-tale
indications of postwar modification or alteration.
One should immediately note that
original dome stamps were never produced as decals. A person
can easily detect a reproduction decal by feeling the edges of
the area surrounding the outer oval. A more reliable method is
to use a magnifying loop to examine the surface of the paint and
ink directly with the eye. Another approach would be to apply
masking tape to the dome stamp to determine if it peels up when
the tape is removed. A final, more aggressive test would be to
lightly scratch the surface of the suspected decal. A
reproduction decal of any kind is likely to peel under this kind
of pressure. |
