Epilogue
One of the most satisfying aspects of this hobby you will find is the accumulation of a vast amount of knowledge about a fairly narrow subject matter -the minutiae of which can sometimes border on the arcane. However, this kind of understanding is essential when one has only photographs to work from when considering a new acquisition, as will often be the case. No doubt you will also find the research and documentation of a new piece to be extremely enjoyable, which will in turn further increase your expertise. I can't say it will make you popular at parties, but the results of your erudition should be reward enough. In conclusion, there are a few points I'd like to reiterate:
1. Learn as much as possible before buying and be patient. It's
mentioned above and here because it's the most important thing you can
do. Anyway, if you also follow the point illustrated below, you will
have plenty of time to spend on research while waiting for the right
piece to come along (which can frequently take many months or even
several years). I can't stress enough the importance of knowing what you are
looking at even when the seller may not, particularly in online
auctions.
2. Seek original and complete pieces (that you like) in the best condition. This
may be obvious, but it can be easy to be led astray by a nicely
repainted Adrian or a decent pickelhaube that is missing its cockades
and chinstrap. However, I would strongly advise against these, as you
will quickly find your collection littered with common pieces of little
actual value. I understand the desire to start small, and a junk helmet
or two can be fun, but it is generally a bad habit to get into from a
collecting standpoint. And remember: A common helmet in an uncommon condition is a rare helmet.
3. Collect, reflect and respect. As
the personal effects of the soldiers of the Great War, helmets provide a
unique and tactile closeness to those who served. Honor them by caring
for your collection responsibly and displaying it well. Being a
collector means you are now the caretaker of these historical artifacts
and it is your very important duty to ensure their survival for the
future.
*4. Don't buy anything from Latvia. Unfortunately, this is one of the most important points to remember. Good people of Latvia, please forgive me.
Thus,
it is here that I will leave you to embark upon your new hobby of
collecting the helmets of the Great War. The path will be fraught with
mystery, excitement and occasionally even danger (though mostly to your
pocketbook), but I sincerely hope that the information provided here can
help you build an amazing collection that you can be proud of for many
years to come.
They ask me where I’ve been
And what I’ve done and seen
But what can I reply
Who know it wasn’t I
But someone just like me
Who went across the sea
And with my head and hands
Slew men in foreign lands
Though I must bear the blame
Because he bore my name
And what I’ve done and seen
But what can I reply
Who know it wasn’t I
But someone just like me
Who went across the sea
And with my head and hands
Slew men in foreign lands
Though I must bear the blame
Because he bore my name
Wilfrid Wilson Gibson