M40

[Spasm]

An original Quist M40 brought back to life. Had holes drilled for an applied badge and a 'orrible grey and red enamel paint job.

Lots of elbow grease but worth it I think with the 1940 dated bread bag strap.

[Spasm]

Another abused Quist M40 brought back to life. I had another bread bag strap hanging around so did it as a Lufty to match. Notice the brighter shade to the helmet and decal under the strap.

[Jock Auld]

You really scare me at times.  Thank god I am a skip licker and would never pay the money that originals seem to command.  Thank god you are on our side.

[Spasm]

Same as that Jock, I would doubt anything that isn't just plain grey. There wasn't that much chicken wire or camouflage paint around in those days. I would put money on nearly every fancy helmet being a hobby craft one.

Hardly ever did a Troopie slop paint around on his helmet and gear, it was already miles too heavy in it's original state. I've even seen textured and camouflage painted gas mask tins for sale, good grief, and at a very heavy price too. 

I don't doubt that some of it is the real McCoy but would I pay those sort of prices, not a hope. Stick with the skips and the known copies, it all looks pretty good in the war room/shed/cupboard/shelf/drawer/shoe box. And just how many people have actually wanted to have a look at your stuff and known anything about any of it?  

[Tony]

Your signature needs to be larger, I've only just spotted it on my Mle. 15

[Spasm]

I try to keep them unobstrusive so as to not deter from the object I've painted. Larger would be easier and seeing as you've only just noticed it on yours then larger they will be. Thanks Tony. 

 

Edited July 21, 2016 by Spasm

[Tony]

Mate, you do it how it best pleases you. I like unobtrusive

Is the one above painted on one of those grease tins? Looks great.

[Spasm]

Yep, a Lebel grease tin. Grease one side and boot polish the other I think. Was also used to hold matches and the like when empty.

Given to me by a good guy who gets me relics on his regular visits to Flanders. It'll be given back to him, now it's painted, at the next militaria show I see him. Only right as he's a jolly good chap.

[Tony]

That's really good.

[Spasm]

Thanks Tony 

How about this one then? Weighs in at 7lbs! Blimey, they must've had big necks....

The inscription under the rim reads: Ers.Batl.Res.J.R.Nr.11   1.K.Nr.1201.Nester

Edited July 23, 2016 by Spasm

[Tony]

All of your paintwork is good Steve.

Is the shield original?

[Spasm]

None of it is original, all copies and fakes. A bloody good artist though I hear.  Cheers my man.

[Spasm]

Gone from M40 to M16s.

This one sent home as a souvenir. You can just make out the red Censor's stamp on the parcel label. Although a stamped relic ET66, it's been brought back from the brink to look pretty good on the shelf. Just waiting for the liner and chin strap.

Edited July 24, 2016 by Spasm