Question about Vietnam Era Helmets

[Helmets762]

Hi guys,

I just picked up these 2 Vietnam era helmets, and I noticed a few differences between them. First the color seems to be slightly different between their covers. This may be just due to age and wear, however the contract numbers "8027" seem to date them both to 1964-65. I was wondering if there was a difference in the colors or patterns based on the manufacturer or is this just due to wear from usage and washing?

Also, one of the chinstrap buckles has an anchor on it and the other did not, I was wondering if the anchor on the chin strap represented something?

Thanks

-*/

[Redstalker]

I think I can help you with your question. I believe the Mitch cover on the left was made using duck cotton (which was the most common material used) and the one on the right was made using cotton twill (which was contracted out to a few suppliers in the DSA chain between 1965-67). For some reason the cotton twill gives it a more darker greyish look