"SS STEEL Inc." Offers collectors the opportunity to protect the value of their helmet collections or individual pieces through an array of authentication services. These services are provided by:
Kelly Hicks; A 40 year collector and established expert in the field of German helmets; the author of 4 reference books relating to the field of SS helmets including the acclaimed "SS Steel," and the 2005 release "SS helmets" with Michael D. Beaver.
For anybody involved in the collecting of original German helmets, it is no secret that values are on the rise. Helmet values/prices have continued to rise at a steady pace since the early days of collecting. In recent years, the values have attained significant levels and certain examples are known to command very nigh prices. Consequently, the field has been inundated with counterfeits and fakes. These forgeries vary in quality from the obvious to the not-so-obvious. The situation has grown to the point where helmet collecting has become something of a mine field. With startling frequency, there has occurred the instance of an unwary collector obtaining a helmet at considerable financial cost only to discover later that the helmet is not what he originally thought it was.
Protection of re-sale value. Re-salability and value is becoming dependant, to a large degree, upon the ability to verify the authenticity of the collectible item. With the number and high quality level of forgeries on the market, the collector may find himself in need of such ready verification of the authenticity of his item. Both for his own assurance and for the assurance of any potential buyer in the future, having a tamper-proof certificate from a noted or published expert in the field gives the collector a solid basis for obtaining insurance protection for his collection, and if necessary legal assistance. Moreover, the resale value of the piece is upheld and enhanced with an accompanying certificate. Protect your investment and protect the future of the hobby.
As important as sports memorabilia, where a certificate means everything, a
certificate of authenticity provides a basis for the provenance and re-sale
value of your helmet. Unlike the sports memorabilia collecting arena, there is
currently no ongoing support from government, state or local anti-fraud or
other enforcement agencies. Nor does an international body exist to protect
collectors, with the possible exception of Interpol, whose primary focus is
art. This leaves militaria collectors with limited options for recourse to
recoup losses from dishonest dealers and helmet forgers.
Service Level 1: Authentication of pictures by
email. This service provides collectors a rapid response as to the
authenticity of a piece which they are considering purchasing. Cost is 20.00
USD.
Service Level 2:
Certificate of authenticity based on pictures by email. Any helmet a collector
desires authenticated, including Heer, Luftwaffe, Fallschirmjaeger,
Kreigsmarine and SS--will be provided a certificate of authenticity with my
original signature. This is an excellent way to protect the value of
collections or individual pieces. (Certificates of non-authenticity can also
be provided for collectors who seek recourse in recovering money spent on
counterfeit helmets from unscrupulous dealers. The COA can serve as a legal
document in a claim). Cost is 60.00 USD.
Service Level 3:
Certificate of authenticity based on hands-on inspection of a single piece or
multiple helmets. This service may involve postage fees, so the basic fee is
80.00 USD. Some flexibility in price will be afforded on a case by case basis.
Contact E-mail: kellyhicks@hotmail.com
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