|
Reproduction labels of many
different types or styles can sometimes be found in counterfeit
civic or combat model helmets when the artist has attempted to
replicate something he thinks is rare or original in overall
appearance. In most cases, the reproduction labels
themselves are largely 'fantasy' items in the sense that they do
not represent anything that was historically applied or used on
original helmets. In general, the use of cloth or paper
labels was very uncommon with German helmets. Even so, enough
original helmets exist with unit or personalized name tags that
replicating them often appeals to those involved in
counterfeiting helmets.
When examined closely, reproduction
labels generally do not show the proper age of the rest of the
helmet or its component parts. Counterfeit labels will
often show indications of being recently made using
non-historical techniques. This can include the use of
modern ball point ink markers, stickers, or hand printed cloth
tags. For example, the label depicted in the photo below
is in fact printed on parchment paper using a modern ink-jet
printer. The label appears to be a composite of several
images either scanned or replicated using already existing
artwork that was combined to create the label. Once glued
to the interior of the helmet, it appears as though the label
was covered in a clear coat material to help bond it to the
surface of the paint. Of course, this label is a complete
fantasy and in no way is original to this or any other helmet.
When examining any label, it is
necessary to explore the very fine surface details to determine
if the material is of similar age to the rest of the helmet and
its components. A fine magnifying glass will clearly show
the dot matrix pattern of a modern ink jet printer, water-slide
or dry transfer decal. In some cases, the aging techniques
attempted on reproduction labels often involves burning them to
make them look brown with age. Smearing labels with grease
or motor oils in addition to using chemical agents that yellow
the cloth or paper are also common. Reproduction labels
with German lettering can sometimes have words that are spelled
incorrectly. While maker's labels were sometimes used on
original civic model helmets, even these have been counterfeited
with reasonable quality. Labels for the well known 'Erel'
firm have been observed in repainted light-weight parade helmets
in an effort to make them more convincing to the potential
buyer.
 |
| |
|
This SA label attempts to depict
the type one might hope to find in a rare SA-Feldherrnhalle
helmet. However, no labels of this kind were ever used
indicating that this helmet is clearly a reproduction.
Note the word 'Feldherrnhalle' is also spelled incorrectly.
This is clearly the work of someone who is not familiar with
the German language and who forgot to check their own work
before attempting to pass it off as original. Such
errors are common on counterfeit helmets even when the
artist is attempting to do the best job they can at faking a
helmet. |
|
