Sith-Smith wrote:
The original news article stated Alan Croucher kept two helmet "moulds" (probably meaning casts) after production. One being the one here and another going to a friend in the U.K. .... so is this other helmet accounted for?
By the way great research and pictures Mike.
I have been doing a bit of research myself and I can confirm the other helmet is indeed in the UK and NOT owned by Brian Muir.
In fact, from what Brian says I cannot take anything he says as gospel. Memories are fading even mine these days. LOL
The other helmet is still with the guy it was sent to in the late 70's. As he recalls he had it sent to him in either 77,78,79 at the latest which ties in well with the other helmet.
I have also seen the letter of authenticity from Alan Croucher and it states
" I worked on Star Wars A NEW HOPE in the plaster rooms EMI studios Elstree. I was asked to make a mould from a clay sculpt of Darth Vader. I cast about 6 helmets two of which I managed to get hold of. The others went off to be spayed.
One of these helmets was sent to a family friend in australia whilst the other went to a friend in the UK for his son. The original owners father in Australia passed away and it was now passed on to Dennis ****** who has had it since about 2015.
I will also add that any testimonials cannot be taken as gospel either as things can be said to cover themselves from any backlash.....
I have many pics of the UK helmet and it does look to me to be the same as the australian helmet. the Dome is identical.
It has unfortunately had a lot of work done to it in the early 90's to strengthen it and repair cracks etc. And had a repaint. There is some warping to the chin area that until I see it in person is hard to say how bad as it could be exaggerated by lens distortion etc. There is filler around the back edge of the faceplate where it was very thin. But the owner says as far as he recalls nothing was done to the front. The dome was cracked and was also repaired and repainted. The helmet is all black, the same as the Australian brother.....
There are no tabs present on this helmet either.....
There are no holes drilled in it suggesting they were drilled after it was received.
I am trying to get in touch with Alan as he only lives about 2 miles from me but as yet he has not responded.
I will see if I can get permission to post some pics......