Need Some Help with Captain Miller Type Helmet

[yt]

All of the great WWII costumes posted lately have got me thinking about going back to a bypassed project. I have had this helmet for years and I bought some water slide decals a while ago to do the captains bars, officer's marking and ranger diamond. I know it is not 100% correct but I figure by adding a proper chin strap and liner strap I can get it close. My question is do I need to paint it or does the natural patina and aging look cool?

 

[yt]

Anybody?

 

[Tim Allen]

Leave it natural, the real life weathering looks more realistic. I bought a brand new replica and spent a day weathering mine up with chalk and all sorts of stuff to give it a rugged look. Also keep in mind if you want to do a entire suit you have to weather that up as well to continue the look of the helmet. Never was a big fan of seeing all these reenactment group guys with their gear looking spiffy and clean but that's just my opinion.

 

[yt]

Thanks, that is what I was thinking.