The ear pieces , at least the lower sections,are actually bolted in place with small brass screws. You can't see it due to the tape on the PP2, but below is a pic of the ESB helmet where you can see one of them.
Honestly, I don't know. Anything I said in regard to that would be pure speculation. We know that the RotJ and PP2 helmet were painted at the same time by the same person. However, the PP3 and ESB hero as well as the PP3 and ESB suits are a bit odd as we don't really know when they were made.
Again, I really don't know what the deal was there. I believe if LFL had it recorded that this helmet was stolen, they could come back at any time and repossess it. I don't know if the knew owner knows it is stolen or not. He probably doesn't want to know. In addition, I doubt he paid anywhere near $80k, that was just what the original seller was wanting to get through the Auction house.
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