Sarge, glad to see you got your login problems solved.
Unfortunately, you and many others have been misinformed in this area. The “10 Bootleg Helmet” story is an urban myth devoid of any substantial proof; to the best of our knowledge, the genesis of this myth is Jeff Ritzman from the RPF. Ritzman erroneously claimed that he had a direct copy of the ESB helmet, which has never been remolded, and that it was one of “10 bootleg copies” smuggled out of Don Post Studios. Long after Ritzman's post and still without a shred of evidence or proof, the “10 Bootleg Helmet” myth became prop-lore, misleading many respectable prop-enthusiasts during its proliferation.
The “SW Armor” expert you consulted is one such individual who was misled by the myth. Though knowledgeable in Stormtrooper armor, your “expert” has no fundamental costume knowledge of Boba Fett. His opinion of your “Mystery Helmet” was based entirely on the “Bootleg Helmet” myth, which was common knowledge among senior RPF members. Your expert used his reputation, not hard evidence, to substantiate an otherwise vaporous statement.
While the unwitting proponents of the “10 Bootleg Helmet” myth have been unable to produce supporting evidence, there is, however, substantial evidence that critically challenges the integrity of the myth. Over the years there have been so many of these 'original 10' helmets turn up that I can't help but be reminded of all the “authentic” splinters from the cross that are sold throughout the middle east. If all those “authentic” splinters were added together, a forest would be the culmination. Likewise, if all the supposed “original 10” helmets were brought together, they would likely rival the number of castings legitimately produced and sold by Don Post!
Of the many “bootleg helmets” that have surfaced, there is one that not only predates the helmet Sarge purchased on E-bay, but also has a physical damage mark that corresponds to a mark on the Preproduction 2 helmet, which is not found on either the Sarge Mystery Helmet or the MS Mystery Helmet. The remains of at least one actual ILM-etched damage mark places it one small step closer to an original ILM helmet. This helmet-- the “Lava Helmet,” as it is dubbed-- may actually be the progenitor or at least a copy of the progenitor to all Mystery Helmets.
Additionally, I have heard from reliable sources accounts of Mystery Helmets being sold via Polaroid photos by Greg Stone in the late 90s before the advent of internet prop trading and collecting.
Another aspect of the myth that does is the assertion that the “10 bootleg helmets” were smuggled out of Don Post while they had an original film used helmet in their possession for laser scanning.” The first attempt at molding an original helmet for Don Post Studios was in 1980. It's unclear exactly what was used to develop the Don Post Deluxe Fett helmet in 1995, but according to a former Don Post employee, a modified plaster plug was at the studio. Durasteel Corporation, who is banned at TDH for impersonating a woman in an attempt to extort a helmet from another member, claimed that he spoke to “several” Don Post Studio employees who told him about the laser scan. After extensive research, I have been unable to find any evidence that 3d laser scanning was a viable technology employed in 1995-96 at Don Post Studios.
Please don't feel that I am attacking you. I am not. However, while I understand that you including "recasters suck" on your recasts was done in jest, it IS a bit hypocritical considering the source of your helmet. Regardless of what you thought the helmet was, you still recast an existing helmet that you bought from E-bay, and now deride individuals who indulge in the same practice.