Home >> Collecting >> Other Collecting

Places to Buy Army Helmets

Military and tactical paraphernalia enthusiasts create a broad market for army gear, and army helmets are a favorite of some collectors. Short of actually joining the army, however, these helmets can be somewhat difficult to obtain. From replica manufacturers to surplus stores and even online auctions, though, serious shoppers can find a plethora of army helmets readily available.

Army Surplus Store
- Almost synonymous with army gear of any kind, surplus stores sell standard issue military gear (along with other, nonstandard paraphernalia) to the general public at discount prices. The inventory varies from store to store, but a typical store carries all forms of military uniforms (battle dress as well as dress), helmets, hats, underwear and accessories. In addition to varying between stores, inventory also changes rapidly within the same store; a store that carries no army helmets one day may have dozens of them just a week later. In addition, there is no standard size that may be available at surplus stores, so hard-to-fit customers may have to shop several stores over time to find an appropriately sized helmet.
Auctions
- Virtually anything can be found at auctions, and a number of army helmets are available through these venues. Estate and odd-lot auctions sometimes render authentic army helmets that have seen actual battlefield use, though these helmets are generally reserved for high-end collectors and are revered for their sentimental value. A mixture of replica, authentic and surplus army helmets can also be found in online auction venues such as eBay or Kaqoo, making the helmets readily available to anyone with a connection to the Internet. Because online auctions do not afford buyers the opportunity to physically inspect a helmet before buying, though, collectors should exercise caution when buying through any online venue.
Replica Helmet Importers
- For customers who are not concerned with authenticity and just want the army helmet look, a number of importers bring in plastic and metal replica helmets from overseas manufacturers. Depending on the size of the importer's operation, prices for replica helmets may range from around $10 for cheap plastic models to more than $100 for high-end, single-lot metal models. Some imported army helmets may have been manufactured under loose quality controls, so replica helmets are mainly intended for battlefield re-enactors rather than serious collectors.

Other Collecting