I wonder whether there is a producers code struck in the front rim, under. It could well read: SW 1/72.
Could you have a look?
Emile
I wonder whether there is a producers code struck in the front rim, under. It could well read: SW 1/72.
Could you have a look?
Emile
the seam on Belgian made helmets looks a little bit narrower than a WWII US helmet, it looks like a Belgian made shell to me, Ive seen a few at the surplus store with a sand / silca paint texture
I'll take a look for the markings tomorrow guys, thanks for the replies
Here's a few pictures of a Belgian M-1 clone (made after 1971)we used for target practice.
They were realy common and could be found in military surplus at around 10 or 20Euro a few years ago.
I had or have one with the same finnish, but I'll have to look for it, looks like a M51 model.
I'm almost sure they are belgian made.
Most of them are used as ashtrays now, but some are still in use in units, for parades(I'll try to get some pictures of those if you guys want that).
Cheers,
Steven
Well, I can't see any marking on it guys, I think the paint has obliterated any trace. She displays pretty well though and was a real bargain When I pop my head out of the German side of helmets I really realise how obscene prices have got in that field.....
Some Belgian made shells lacked any markings at all, so that may be the case.
May I ask how much you paid for it?
Nitram
Seems a fair price. Paid the same for a Dutch one in January with a similar liner.
Nitram
Plenty of bargains to be had outside of the Reich.
I've not seen a Belgian M1 with anything but a smooth finish either but I can't say that I've seen that many of these helmets. As for it being a US shell, as far as I have been able to find Belgian never used US surplus m1's but instead made all of there own M1 clone helmets and liners. The rear seam stainless rim is the norm for the Belgian helmet I believe and just for clarification, there are a small amount of WWII period US M1s produced that are rear seam with a stainless rim, I have one sitting next to me. There was about a one mounth gap between switching to the rear seam and changing rim material, so yes, they do exist....but again, I don't think US surplus was ever used for the Belgian NATO helmet, unless someone can provide example that shows differently (US heat stamp in shell).
The Belgian M1 shells had only ink stamps that identified Mfr and date so if the shell was repainted on the inside, that would be lost.
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