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FJ Helmets

Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2013 11:00 am
by fallschirmjaeger
Hi All

We are looking to make reproduction FJ M38 Helmet shells in 71 size. We aim to have the most accurate visual copy going but may cut down on the weight. We aim to produce the best & most accurate helmet shell available.

However - trying to get a heavy manufacturing plant to make them is proving difficult: we have contacted most UK companies and several European companies to no avail. We did find a Danish company prepared to press the shells but not roll the rims as the rolling equipment was too expensive.

So if anyone knows of a manufacturer who can do heavy plant pressings and metal rim folding/rolling please let us know. Any leads that prove successful will be rewarded with a batch of M38 71 shells for free (5 shells)!

Cheers Mike

Re: FJ Helmets

Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2013 1:50 pm
by GraemeMac
What sort of volume are you looking at?

Re: FJ Helmets

Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2013 6:36 pm
by fallschirmjaeger
All depends on price Vs quantity Vs make cost!

I may have someone but happy to receive further leads of course!

Re: FJ Helmets

Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2013 10:54 am
by pepperpot
With m35 shells coming out of China where the rims are rolled and hand finished, have you tried contacting any of the Chinese dealers?
Regards,
graham

Re: FJ Helmets

Posted: Mon Sep 02, 2013 10:28 am
by fallschirmjaeger
Yup done all that Chinese or indians dont want to change as their current rubbish sells!

Anyway, we have located a plant who can probably make them - I have 66 and 68 shells but would make a 71 shell for todays reenactor market. does anyone have a 71 shell they can lend me? A relic, semi-relic or good one is perfect, just the shell not the liner and parts! We need this to make a good CAD model.

Re: FJ Helmets

Posted: Fri Sep 06, 2013 7:43 pm
by fallschirmjaeger
OK we have a maker! Time for market research to estimate if they are worth making, so looking for your genuine feedback please chaps:

If you were able to purchase a reproduction ET71 shell made from an original early war design, marked ET71 and appropriate batch number, unpainted (no liner, straps etc. just the shell), all the features of an original present - correct shape, correct fold line, correct front dip etc.
All you need do is remove your old liner and slot it in the new shell after painting it and apply decals. WHAT PRICE WOULD YOU pay to have pretty much a genuine shell just made 70+ years after the originals?

Re: FJ Helmets

Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2013 6:40 pm
by fallschirmjaeger
No FJ reenactors interested in these helmets I guess... :roll:

Re: FJ Helmets

Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2013 7:59 pm
by koobleguy
if the quality of the steel is a german ww2: 150 - 200€?

I guess the market for 71 shell is rather big, as for 68 shells on regular helmets

Re: FJ Helmets

Posted: Thu Sep 12, 2013 6:43 am
by GraemeMac
Wouldnt want to oay any more than a couple of hundred quid tbh. Im still waiting for a shell from fj werke, which i was told id get for 100 dollars, as i bought all the other components, which was just 100 dollars shy of a full helmet, had they had the shells.

Re: FJ Helmets

Posted: Mon Sep 16, 2013 9:31 am
by fallschirmjaeger
Many thanks for the replies. We are now waiting for a quotation. If anyone else would like to advise us on what they are prepared to pay for a FJ shell please respond. Its a bit difficult to judge the market, anyone know how many individual FJ reenactors are out there approx. (Worldwide)?

Re: FJ Helmets

Posted: Wed Sep 18, 2013 6:07 pm
by koobleguy
Hi,

in case the quality is 100% german ww2, it would sure also be interesting for helmet collectors, ww2 vehicle owners etc, not only FJ reenactors