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Post by newcomer on Jun 8, 2012 15:57:20 GMT -5
I bought this m1 helmet that was part of an 80's setup, and got quite a surprise when i came home to get a better look at the shell. from my limited knowledge of m1 helmets, I'm inclined to say its a WWII swivel bale helmet. It has the front seam, and more domed shape. What has me worried is that everything else is flat out wierd. The white paint is badly faded and cracked. It is completely smooth with no texture of any sort. The chinstraps seem post war and there are no discernable markings or stampings on the inside. I haven't see any other helmets like this one, and would appreciate any info.
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Sgt_Tom
Technical Sgt.
Combat!
Posts: 3,580
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Post by Sgt_Tom on Jun 8, 2012 19:30:59 GMT -5
The texture is probably worn off. The white paint was probably done war-time during the winter months or possibly sometime after the war. I am guessing the helmet was re-issued post WW2, hence the straps.
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Post by newcomer on Jun 8, 2012 20:40:47 GMT -5
that makes sense. I spent some more time examining the helmet and the paint has brush strokes, so the soldier probably applied the white paint in the field.
anyways, thanks for the information, I was hesitant to say if it was WWII or not.
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Post by bloodandguts5150 on Jun 8, 2012 21:37:11 GMT -5
I bought a helmet a couple years ago that was a rear seam, STAINLESS rim, with Nam era paint on it, and new nylon clip-on straps. I played with the straps too much and one of the bales started coming undone. Forgetting that some of the new helmets (at least they were new in '44) used up some of the stainless rims, I told a friend he could have it if he welded the bale back on... I bought the thing for $24, now I'm wishing I still had it...
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Post by newcomer on Jun 8, 2012 21:45:15 GMT -5
funny, 24 bucks is exactly what I paid for this thing, including the liner and helmet cover. I just need to make time to refinish it.
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Post by bloodandguts5150 on Jun 8, 2012 22:41:55 GMT -5
where did you find it? all of my helmets that i've bought have been in antique stores, with the exception of the one i described above, and all have been $24. i haven't been lucky enough to find a front seam (although the one i did had two hole drilled into it, i didn't purchase). most army surplus stores i've been to the owners/workers seem to think the only WWII helmets that ever existed were fixed bales..
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Post by newcomer on Jun 8, 2012 23:55:32 GMT -5
it was at a surplus store, mixed in with a bunch of other 80's helmets.
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