HIRIART Romanian helmet research mistake (1 Viewer)

[ucla1967]

Hiriart is usually very good about researching the multitude of new commission sets that I have ordered over the past ten years. But not this time, with the newly commissioned sets of WORLD WAR II ROMANIAN INFANTRY, 1942. I was surprised when I opened their box and took a look at their helmets. Rather than the very distinct M39 Romanian helmet, which is identical to the Dutch M34 helmet, except for the front crest detail, the Romanians had helmets that looked more like late-World War II British turtle helmets. I have sent Guillermo several photos of the M39 Romanian helmets and he has promised to redo the heads for me with the correct helmets. I had ordered three sets, one each for Bob, Fred, and me. They graciously took their sets in spite of the error. On this year's order, I have commissioned World War II Netherlands Infantry, 1940 which I suspect will have the correct Dutch M34 helmets.

 

[lancer]

Hiriart is usually very good about researching the multitude of new commission sets that I have ordered over the past ten years. But not this time, with the newly commissioned sets of WORLD WAR II ROMANIAN INFANTRY, 1942. I was surprised when I opened their box and took a look at their helmets. Rather than the very distinct M39 Romanian helmet, which is identical to the Dutch M34 helmet, except for the front crest detail, the Romanians had helmets that looked more like late-World War II British turtle helmets. I have sent Guillermo several photos of the M39 Romanian helmets and he has promised to redo the heads for me with the correct helmets. I had ordered three sets, one each for Bob, Fred, and me. They graciously took their sets in spite of the error. On this year's order, I have commissioned World War II Netherlands Infantry, 1940 which I suspect will have the correct Dutch M34 helmets.

Pity about the helmets as it is a nice looking set. Still, Hiriart doesn't get it wrong very often. -- Al

 

[theBaron]

Well, that makes the set a rarity and increases its value.

Prost!
Brad

 

[ucla1967]

Pity about the helmets as it is a nice looking set. Still, Hiriart doesn't get it wrong very often. -- Al

It is a nice looking set, but since Guillermo will redo the heads with the correct helmets, I'll be able fix the problem. My only concern would be how to remove the incorrect head/helmets with out chipping the paint on their collars.

Mike

 

[ucla1967]

Well, that makes the set a rarity and increases its value.

Prost!
Brad

I guess you are right about that Brad. However, I don't collect with an eye towards appreciation, but rather for the pure pleasure of it. I would prefer to have the Romanians correct rather than incorrect.

Mike

 

[theBaron]

I guess you are right about that Brad. However, I don't collect with an eye towards appreciation, but rather for the pure pleasure of it. I would prefer to have the Romanians correct rather than incorrect.

Mike

True, but in that case, the set has that cachet, that it's a rare mistake, regardless of whether you track the monetary value or not. It's like having one of the original Jenny stamps, or a mis-struck coin.

Prost!
Brad

 

[blaster]

Hello Mike,

I suspect that these heads were cast integral with the bodies? To remove these heads for replacement, you would have to carefully saw through the neck as there are awkward parts such as slung rifles in the way. I think that you would have to expect some damage (chipping) around the neck area. The replacement heads should be pinned for internal strength. Repairs will probably have to be done with putty smoothed over and the affected area will have to be repainted.

Nice looking figures, BTW.

Rgds
Victor

 

[ucla1967]

True, but in that case, the set has that cachet, that it's a rare mistake, regardless of whether you track the monetary value or not. It's like having one of the original Jenny stamps, or a mis-struck coin.

Prost!
Brad

Now you're talking Brad. I would love to have an original Jenny stamp or a mis-struck coin. Just think how many toy soldiers one could buy if you sold them.

Mike

 

[ucla1967]

Hello Mike,

I suspect that these heads were cast integral with the bodies? To remove these heads for replacement, you would have to carefully saw through the neck as there are awkward parts such as slung rifles in the way. I think that you would have to expect some damage (chipping) around the neck area. The replacement heads should be pinned for internal strength. Repairs will probably have to be done with putty smoothed over and the affected area will have to be repainted.

Nice looking figures, BTW.

Rgds
Victor

Thanks for your tips Victor. However, Hiriart heads are plugged as I learned a couple of years ago when there was a loose head in a artillery gun team set's box as a result of one of the horses breaking loose from its string ties.

Thanks, they are nice looking and will be even better with the correct M39 Romanian helmet.

Mike