Photo:  Reproduction decals made in Czechoslovakia.

Tools to Have on Hand

When assessing helmet decals it is important to have some tools on hand to assist in identifying whether or not you think the helmet might be original.  Relying simply on the naked eye is generally not enough to ensure that a given helmet under inspection is in fact an original. 

The following provides a list or recommended items to have on hand when you start your investigation:

• A list of the exact measurements or dimensions of original decals and their accepted variations.  Your list needs to be in millimeter (metric) equivalents. 

• A fine scale or highly accurate metric ruler for measuring the width and height of a decal.

• A quality loop magnifying lens to examine the decal image close-up.  One with a light is often helpful but not necessary.

• A note pad and pencil to record your observations.

• One or two of the photographic reference guides depicting close-up photos of known original decals.

• Optional:  A hand held black light.

With these materials you are now ready to examine any decal that appears on a helmet.  Some collectors believe that a black light can aid in determining if a decal is postwar manufactured.  This is only partially true in the sense that wartime decals given off a very distinctive glow that reproduction decals tend not to.  However, this effect can be masked very easily meaning that reproduction decals can be made to appear like original decals under a black light.  That means you can not accurately rely on black lights to determine if a decal is original or not.

Original decals that are applied to a helmet (or those unapplied and still on their transfer paper) will glow a warm yellow color under the black light.  However, many lacquers used to clear coat the surface of both real and fake decals will reflect the same yellow look under black lights.  As a result, reliance on a black light's ability to detect reproduction decals is not fully warranted. 

Unfortunately, many collectors still push this concept as "definitive proof" of originality.  This is unfortunate since it is not founded on basic factual evidence.

Reproduction Decals Main

Detective Techniques

Repro Photo Gallery

Things to Remember

Tools to Have on Hand

Fakes and Reproductions Main

Basic Tips for Collectors

Reproduction Buckles

Reproduction Chinstraps

Reproduction Decals

Reproduction Dome Stamps

Reproduction Helmet Labels

Reproduction Liners

How to Identify a Fake

Appraisals

A 15x Loop for Close Magnification.