What kind of helmet is this?

**Pablo** · 03-17-2012, 04:46 PM

I've never seen a helmet like this. It is on German Ebay. I like unusual stuff and wonder if anyone has any info about this kind of helmet. Thanks.

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 03-17-2012 04:46 PM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**KradSpam** · 03-17-2012, 04:49 PM

It is the USAAF M3 Flak helmet minus the ear flaps.

**Pablo** · 03-17-2012, 07:18 PM

by KradSpam

It is the USAAF M3 Flak helmet minus the ear flaps.

Thanks Kradspam. Is it WW2 vintage?

**Nitram** · 03-17-2012, 07:56 PM

I dont think they were produced after WWII, so chances are its WWII vintage. Never seen one without the flaps, reminds me of a modern AFV Crew helmet.

Nitram

**kenbent** · 03-17-2012, 09:25 PM

Or the M5. I have an M5 with the flaps and those were produced in 1945, before the end of WWII. So it's definitely of WWII vintage. The M5 had flaps that were more sharpy at the bottom, the M3 had more rounded flaps.

Very neat pieces.

Cheers

**kenbent** · 03-17-2012, 09:28 PM

PS. This one indeed shows M3 characteristics. The ring inside, the rim... Mine (M5) still has its fuzzy coating, given to the helmet to prevent the metal from sticking at such a high altitude. It was an anti-flak helmet mainly worn by bomber crews. IIRC only the turret gunner and the belly gunner didn't wear the anti-flak helmet.

The M5 shows some nice innovations such as the clips on the bales, etc.

Cheers