Thanks for the input. I will admit I am certainly no Star Wars expert (Elvis Presley/ Indiana Jones are my specialty), however considering the source for the helmet (same source as the helmet from Christies Auction 12/14/2004), and the people who have looked at it (film experts Larry McQueen/ Criag Tempelton of Lucas Archives), I still believe it is an original. I have verified the provenance first hand, and even brought it to the San Diego Comic Con to have others known in the hobby(including fans who really analyze stormtrooper costumes)look at it in person. All agree that this is not made by Master Replicas (I did a side by side comparison). Master Replicas do not have the leather chin strap used on original stunt versions, metal bracated interior, nor is thiers vacu-foam as this is. Master Replica makes a three piece construction (same as this one) but with cheap foam on the inside, not the reinforced padding that this helmet has. The helmet is well used, and was disgarded from future use due to its condition in 1976 at Elstree Studios. This helmet also has all studio markings from Elstree still labled. Hope this helped.
