WWII M-2 D BALE or M-1 C HELMET ???

**Mark K** · 11-20-2011, 04:11 PM

Morning gents I found this Para helmet for sale and would like your opinions on it is it a M-2D BALE or is it a M-1C Helmet I know very little about the M1 helmets and there variations beyond the usual. Fixed bale ,frontseam ,heatstamps,liner markings,But when it comes to D bale helmets and there variatons guys I am truly lost I first initial thought on this helmet is it is to good to be true and it is a mock up but I would like some other opinions before I write it off as so any and all opinions welcome. Oops dam computer I will have to see if I can post larger photos

Regards Mark K

**NickD** · 11-20-2011, 04:21 PM

see pic below of an M-2 D bail shell an M-1C has normal square bails.

**NickD** · 11-20-2011, 04:23 PM

& yes that guy that sell them on ebay recreates these types of helmets so its not the real deal !

**Mark K** · 11-20-2011, 04:27 PM

That is what I suspected Nick but thought I would run it by you to be shur he does do a hell of a nice job on them.

Regards Mark K

**NickD** · 11-20-2011, 04:45 PM

this original M-2 D bail helmet recently sold on ebay for US $14,367.00

Early US WWII Airborne Paratrooper Helmet & Liner Fixed Bale | eBay

**Mark K** · 11-20-2011, 05:02 PM

That is an amazing price I had no ideal they were worth that kind of money I was surfing around and spotted the one I posted I relized the D bales were rare but not as rare as the holy grail .

Regards Mark K

**Walkwolf** · 11-20-2011, 10:01 PM

Unbelieveable. $14,367.00 ? ! ?

I find it hard to believe that anyone would pay that much for a rusty old helmet
just because it's a Paratroop lid with 'D' bales - it's in terrible condition.
That slays me ! - Who can afford this ?

If I ever wanted or needed one that badly,
I'd settle for a repro.........!

**Mountaineer** · 11-20-2011, 11:36 PM

by Walkwolf

Unbelieveable. $14,367.00 ? ! ?

I find it hard to believe that anyone would pay that much for a rusty old helmet
just because it's a Paratroop lid with 'D' bales - it's in terrible condition.
That slays me ! - Who can afford this ?

If I ever wanted or needed one that badly,
I'd settle for a repro.........!

I guess if you can afford it, go for it. I too would settle for a repro. $14,000 is more then i paid for my last new car.

**António Fragoeiro** · 11-20-2011, 11:42 PM

14.000?? Thats is an expensive cooking pot.

**plumbob** · 11-21-2011, 12:01 AM

I was watching that auction closely and reading all the comments on the other forum Nick and for someone who didn’t realise what they had, they certainly knew what close up pictures to take of the correct parts . Don’t you think? mind you he didn't mention the makers mark on the liner which would have been another good selling point.
Well done to the seller though.
Rod