Can anyone here help?  

Yah, you can never be to carful when it comes to painted helmets. This just seems like a nice helmet was ruined to try to fool others, which is a shame…

thank you for the info. it is very true what is said when it comes to painted helmets----------------- be careful. TO MANY FAKES.

From:  TM-E 30-451, 1 March 1945 (U. S. Army).  

I agree with the above comment that the scratching on the white paint looks like improvised aging.   Steve 

The yellow color on the collar tabs was the waffenfarbe for flight personnel, including pilots, observers, and other aircrew, as well as paratroopers. 

I don’t think it’s legit, the wear patterns (to me) look artificial, and it looks intentionally scratched, not like real wear that is typically random. Also, if the insignia was actually That worn I would expect the original helmet paint to have just as much wear which to me doesn’t look likely. You can also see on the white parts there is gust poking through, while on the rest of the helmet there is fairly little. Also, for a helmet in immediate post war Germany, some paint companies (to save on costs) used other binders for paints other than lead. So lead testing isn’t completely full proof. Hope this helps slightly, would like to see what others have to say.   Gear Fan

Starting a new topic here  to showcase photos I find of the Luftwaffe Helmets Being Worn Pre and during the war.   First up, a Recuit taking the oath, looks Flakmann, date and location unknown.

This is neat...  Never seen one of these before...   Source:   https://www.militariasales.com/product/german-luftwaffe-em-nco-breast-eagle-patch-blue-backing/   The coins are all 2 Reichsmark, mintmark "E", from Muldenhütten, 1933, 1934, & 1936 ~ 1939 {inclusive}.   Further Reading:   https://www.recomine.de/en/muldenhuetten-historical-smelter-complex/  

If that's lead paint, likely it's authentic.

no doubt at least to me the helmet itself is real. my question is the white painted skull. opinions are welcome. thank you