[Everett45]

So at the gun show yesterday, I came across this helmet. I have never seen one in person, so I thought this would be a very cool buy. The guy said he was just getting rid of stuff, and had it listed at $65. The price tag also said "WWII" and "Model 1939". (Is that just the style, or just the date?) When I showed interest, he took off $25 :rock:, so I went ahead and bought it. He said he bought it from a vet about 15 years ago, when he was 80 or so. So considering, if he's still around, this vet would be about 95 by now, which is common age for WWII vets today, this is most likely WWII. Except the straps are on a swivel, and have clasps, which I've read indicate late/post-war. It is also missing the liner. I believe the color is OD #7. So what I'm wondering is: is this indeed WWII, but possibly with refurbished straps for use in Korea?

PS. Can anyone figure out what the writing inside says?

Pictures:

https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1214x911q90/538/ZchWZu.jpg

https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1214x911q90/661/urFzlp.jpg

https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1214x911q90/901/VqMY9p.jpg

https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1214x911q90/538/qx4OBc.jpg

https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1214x911q90/538/Mc9jNg.jpg

https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1214x911q90/661/GQg8ux.jpg

https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1214x911q90/909/rDUzpa.jpg

https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1214x911q90/540/olpBD2.jpg

 

[dsk]

Moving this to USGI since its more appropriate. I'm not an expert on military helmets but that looks pretty neat. How's the liner?

 

[Everett45]

How's the liner?

It didn't come with one unfortunately. Anywhere I can buy a replacement?

 

[ejr10mm]

Ok so I know a little about helmets. That strap is post vietnam im pretty sure. That number stamped on the inside is a lot number get ahold of the guy at https://alexanderandsonsrestorations.com/. He has done a few helmets for me and if you email him that number he should be able to tell you when it was made. He also can set you up with parts and things to bring it back to life. He did a recreation of my grandfathers ww2 jump helmet and restored a german m35 helmet that i found at a yard sale.




Thats my grandpa to the left of the medic. That photo was taken shortly after he jumped into southern france during operation dragoon.

 

[retsgt]

So at the gun show yesterday, I came across this helmet. I have never seen one in person, so I thought this would be a very cool buy. The guy said he was just getting rid of stuff, and had it listed at $65. The price tag also said "WWII" and "Model 1939". (Is that just the style, or just the date?) When I showed interest, he took off $25 :rock:, so I went ahead and bought it. He said he bought it from a vet about 15 years ago, when he was 80 or so. So considering, if he's still around, this vet would be about 95 by now, which is common age for WWII vets today, this is most likely WWII. Except the straps are on a swivel, and have clasps, which I've read indicate late/post-war. It is also missing the liner. I believe the color is OD #7. So what I'm wondering is: is this indeed WWII, but possibly with refurbished straps for use in Korea?

PS. Can anyone figure out what the writing inside says?

Pictures:

https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1214x911q90/538/ZchWZu.jpg

https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1214x911q90/661/urFzlp.jpg

https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1214x911q90/901/VqMY9p.jpg

https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1214x911q90/538/qx4OBc.jpg

https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1214x911q90/538/Mc9jNg.jpg

https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1214x911q90/661/GQg8ux.jpg

https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1214x911q90/909/rDUzpa.jpg

https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1214x911q90/540/olpBD2.jpg

By the looks of the helmet, it appears it could be late WWll. This evident as the seam for the band around the rim is located in the back. Many WWll helmets have the seam in the front. The chin straps are, I believe, Vietnam era. I say this because of the metal clip that attaches them to the swivel bale. As for the number 1605, where is it located? The makers mark is usually located on the inside, just at the spot where the brim forms. A little steel wool to remove the paint will bring the stamp out. Also, as I have learned, a Vietnam made pot with be smaller than Korea or WWll. Many WWll helmets, as well as equipment's were used in Korea. My 2 cents.

 

[Everett45]

Thanks, I just emailed him. If the strap is indeed Vietnam era, I'm wondering how and why it's on there. The guy I got it from said he got it from the veteran himself. Could he have served in Vietnam too? Nice picture by the way!

 

[1saxman]

I thought the strap loops on WWII helmets were fixed, not swivel. The color is too green. I think it's a '60s helmet. BTW, the correct liner will be the one where the strips of fabric making up the structure of the liner can be seen inside. It will have a narrow brown leather strap that is usually worn over the 'brim' of the pot.

 

[Everett45]

As for the number 1605, where is it located? The makers mark is usually located on the inside, just at the spot where the brim forms.

Here is wider angle of the stamp:

http://imageshack.com/a/img909/3829/FF4tvD.jpg

 

[ejr10mm]

WW2 helmets were both fixed and swivel bail. The liner in the helmet i posted is made by firestone and has the firestone F that we all know stamped in the top center inside .

 

[1saxman]

Looking at the color again with fresh eyes this morning, I think it's been re-painted but probably is WWII. I can see brush marks even on the inside.

 

[berghi51]

Hi,

This steel shell cames from Parish and was produced in 1968 probably used durind Viet Nam. The chin straps are the 1973 type.

So it is not a WWII helmet.

Info cames from "The US M1 helmet forum", a french forum dedicate to the M1 helmet.

 

[The Wizard]

Thanks, I just emailed him. If the strap is indeed Vietnam era, I'm wondering how and why it's on there. The guy I got it from said he got it from the veteran himself. Could he have served in Vietnam too? Nice picture by the way!

A bit a gun show wisdom: Buy the gun (or in this case the helmet) NOT the story!

 

[Charlie Flick]

Everything that you might ever want to know about USGI helmets can be found at the US Militaria Forum.

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/forum/5-steel-and-kevlar-helmets/

Many highly experienced collectors gather there along with several helmet book authors. It turns out that there is just as much to know about US helmets and just a good a chance of chicanery as there is in US guns. Knowledge is power. (And there is no such thing as a "Model 1939" US helmet.)

Regards,
Charlie

 

[Corrigun]

It looks like it says "HALL KP" on it. As in it belongs in the mess hall. Then crossed out and issued to someone (something) else and finally "FOSS" as in a person or place.

 

[green papaya]

sorry for the bad news, but you were cheated, thats a very common 1980's used surplus steel M1 shell with M73 clip on straps

it's probably worth around $10 - $20 max

the story about it came from a old vet or veteran's estate is one of the oldest stories I hear when people try to sell something.

Im also a helmet collector myself

 

[green papaya]

another tip to see if it's a late "low dome" use a measuring tape and go over the top from one side to the other, if it's less that 18" thats a sign it's one of the late low dome shells.

the finish is not the WWII corked textured type, even though WWII shells were repainted and used all the way until the late 1980's

definitely not a WWII helmet

 

[green papaya]

M1 helmet with Woodland camo cover

here's a soldier wearing a helmet like yours from 1985 , notice he has the same type of late issue chin strap, common on post Vietnam 1980's used helmets, he also has a Woodland camo helmet cover.

"A soldier from 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, teaches a Japanese soldier the proper way to handle a M1911A1 pistol during the Orient Shield ’85 joint military exercise."

 

[replacement]

Ok so, since the thread is here, if a guy wanted a nice helmet how would one go about finding one for a fair price? Assuming the guy does not know very much about helmets.

 

[1saxman]

Well, any time you're thinking about getting into any kind of collectables, you had better find out what you're doing before spending any money. Asking the seller if it's authentic does not count as research.