altmanns helmets

Altmann's Licensed Products
Altmann's used to hold the license for the Southern Hemisphere, and produced a range of helmets which vary considerably in their likeness to the movie originals. Build quality on these helmets is for example considerably better than the standard Don Posts. Although one common fault that seems to exist on a number of their helmets is they are often considerably smaller than their screen counterparts. Darth Vader (see new version lower)

Though a quality helmet, Altmann's Vader just doesn't quite look right. I've recently been sent these excellent pics from Mick in Australia (it was you Mick wasn't it?).

However, whatever way you look at it, the proportions are not quite correct, most noticeable in the dimensions of the face, and the way the dome extends at the back.


Above is a couple of good images sent to me by Mike Barker, which show why this is such an odd helmet, as its appeal varies massively according to how it is photographed. Note how it looks in the photo's above when compared to the more flat images below.

When looking at Altmann's Vader above, the dimensions clearly demonstrate that it was crafted from an original sculpt, as opposed to being molded directly from an original screen-used version.

Above and below right are a three photo's from Darth Phaeton in Denmark of his Altmann's ANH Vader, and then a photo comparing it against the 20th Century ESB copy (below left). If we ignore the dome and concentrate on the face only, my question is this; Given that Altmann's are a fully licensed and Lucasfilm approved manufacturer of "collector's" helmets, I am just completely puzzled as to why Altmann's sculptured the face, rather than mould it from a screen original?

(above)comparison-20thC (ESB) copy
Altmann's therefore has produced a variation on the Vader theme, an impression of the design, yet one that varies considerably from the screen original. I think the thing that confuses collectors is that we can understand it when Rubie's produce a helmet which looks significantly different from the original (both in size and shape) but then Rubie's helmets retail for under $60. Altmann's Helmets however have a far higher build quality (and price to match) and yet still suffer by design.
Update - Sept 05. To try and set the record straight Ive had a couple of Altmann's Vader owners in Australia contact me with some really great photos of their Altmann's helmets....
First is Wayne who also felt the helmet was lacking and went about making some changes to it. He has done a remarkable job.....

He's completely reworked the face, repainted and replaced the eyes, grills and tusks and has produced a helmet which looks very convincing. The Chest armour and shoulder bells are his own work too.

Together with the shoulders Wayne's made it a really impressive display piece. Well done.

Below, two photos of Rob's Altmann's Vader Helmet, which he has used at a number of events in Australia. Although this helmet has not been modified, it just goes to show the improvement when its seen as part of a complete Vader costume.


.and finally on the Vader a new one from Rob

NEW Altmann's Darth Vader?
I've recently been sent these shots (September 2006) of what I can only presume is anew and more accurate Darth Vader helmet from Altmann's. I'm not sure if this is a mass-produced item or not (I don't think so). Thanks to Bounos in Australia for the shots

Well it looks really great and certainly a squillion times more accurate than the old one. Again not sure whether the neck brace is standard or not either.

The dome looks quite thin suggesting its plastic rather than fiberglass but can't confirm - I literally only have these photos. Either way an interesting development from Altmann's who used to have a Southern Hemisphere License to produce Star Wars Helmets

Other Altmann Helmets

The Imperial Guard looks rather nice, and is one of Altmann's better helmets and certainly better than the unmodified Don Post. The image to the left is from their official catalog and the one on the right is from BothanSpy's personal collection.

Left is the Altmann's Boba Fett which looks fairly good and a couple more below from Ozprops. Above right is Altmann's excellent Scout Trooper, which is an extremely good likeness as it's very accurate and not as squat as the DP


Above and below-left show Altmann's rather nice Imperial Fleet trooper, recently acquired by Neil TK-067 from the UKG. As can be seen from these images it looks like a good 'un from down-under. Very good overall likeness although slightly undersize.

.	Above, BothanSpy's Death Star Gunner, and below the same helmet from the collection of Bill McC. Bill tells me that the overall build quality is very good, although it's VERY small.


Above, Helmet looks excellent its just a shame its not 1:1

The Rebel Trooper Helmet (e.g. crew of the Tantive IV) looks good on the site, but Blufive tells me it's seriously undersize!.	The Stormtrooper is just plain damn UGLY, and looks significantly different from the real props.
I've finally got some nice big shots of some of the Altmann's helmets - such as the Stormtrooper below. As you can see its a custom sculpt and features a look which is a cross between an ANH Hero and RotJ Stunt.


These three shots below feature the same helmet on the Store display for these helmets.


Above left the Stormtrooper and on the right the Biker/Scout Trooper which was Altmann's best helmet and actually very close to the original, again shown on the store display.

Below, I took these shots of my Altmann's recently - its a really nice helmet and a very close likeness



...and below some more pics taken last year...


Below, Andrea's great comparison shot of the Don Post Deluxe (left) and the Altmann's (right)

Below, Stephen sent me this interesting one. Supposedly of an Altmann's Sandtrooper, one of only three made which were never produced or given for approval by Lucasfilm

Strange Idea, they've clearly used the standard helmet and provided a bit of weathering. However the Sandtrooper (as we all know) features different detailing from the standard Stormtroopers, such as the lack of trapezoid stripes.

In addition this has a black (ESB/RotJ) frown and bubble lenses so its a bit of a hybrid!



Here's a couple of good pics (above and below) sent to me by The Colonel, showing Altmann's very nice looking X-Wing helmet (left), and how it compares with the Don Post version. Apart from the obvious build quality of the Altmann's, its also quite a lot bigger than the DP who in most cases tended to build to suit a kids head!


Above and below some new shots of the Altman's X-Wing helmet. Like the Scout Trooper this is a nice helmet not least because the painting and weathering is extremely good for a mass-produced item.

Below, their TIE which like the Stormtrooer is not so accurate (and rather small)

...and below a shot from the rear of the TIE and also on the right as we segue to the Rebel Fleet Helmet - as seen on the Tantive IV.

This looks to be quite an accurate looking helmet although as with a number of Altmann's helmets is very much undersized. Shame really as it does look nice.

Here's some shots of the rare Altmann's Boussh helmet sent to me by Jason/SkyGunBros

IMO this is quite impressive and is a close likeness to the Leia-worn RotJ Helmet

As with many of the Altmann's helmet it may be undersize - its difficult to tell from these pics but it is a very close likeness for a licensed collectable.

2005 Altmann's TIE Helmet
This is the NEW TIE helmet from Steve Altmann, which is a major improvement on the old design and along with the armour looks really great (pic thanks to Niko). Its based on a Cameron Oakley Stormtrooper faceplate along with a CO set of hemispheres used for his X-Wing fighter. Its now amuch improved piece based on existing (real) helmets rather than a new sculpt - well done!

Altmann's R2-D2

Not sure if it was an officially licensed product or not but Steve Altmann also made a really nice looking R2! Thanks to Marty in Canada for these Photos.