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How to Collect German Helmets

For people interested in war history or military collectibles, collecting German helmets can be a fun hobby. Before starting a collection, however, there are a few things to learn, including how to avoid buying inferior or fake helmets and how to care for your collection properly.

Things You'll Need

Duster

Instructions

- 1
  Learn as much as you can about German helmets. A collector needs to know about the items she collects to avoid scams or damaged merchandise. There are often minute differences between helmets, so intimate knowledge is very helpful. Go to your local library and look through books on military collectibles, history and other relevant subjects to find information and check out pictures. Visit websites such as GermanHelmet.com and WarHelmets.com to learn and find useful photos.
- 2
  Decide what kind of helmets you want to collect. There are many kinds. According to German Helmets.com, World War I helmets include M-16s, M-17s, Austrian M-17s and M-18s; World War II helmets include M-35s, M-40s, M-42s and paratrooper helmets. There are also Luftschutz helmets, for civil defense forces and "relic helmets," which have been excavated from burial grounds and bunkers and in a category by themselves.
- 3
  Find reputable sellers. You do not want to mistakenly buy a fake or inferior helmet. Seek out veterans, antique dealers, estate auctions, and military surplus stores and maintain a "buyer beware" mentality. Avoid online auctions or other online sales through which there is no way to determine authenticity.
- 4
  Care for your collection. Hire a restorer for any needed repairs. Dust regularly and keep your helmets dry and out of direct sunlight to keep them in top condition.

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