Fantastic examples of the evolution of the M51 Bruno. I particularly like the top 51 TAP example which is a model that has has been on my wishlist for quite some time. I also like the two tone net, overall classic French para helmets very well displayed, many thanks for sharing them here,it's been a pleasure to view them.
Kind regards.
Opex
Thanks a lot Opex for your comment
Just some additional input to an already very good post.
The 2 tones net is a french adaptation of the English SAS net. Some of them were still used.
It was quite used in indochina and then in Algeria.
TAP 51 are not easy to find. It tooks me some time to grab one and I was Lucky enough to get it in good condition. Still missing the chinstrap...
In fact only the liner is TAP. The shell it the standard one. It isn't very clear how many of these were produced. Not many went to combat. Mostly in Suez but after they went to airborn schools.
Some people call them M51/53. This is mostly due to the fact they started production in 53 even if the model was already scheduled in 51.
A nice piece, even it it wasn't really practical when jumping (Like us USM1c).
The M56 with the 3 points chinstraps adapted from The britich airborn helmet was far more efficient even if not really easy to use : )
All the best
Bruno
Last edited by bourguignotte; 01-22-2014 at 10:26 PM.
Hi Bruno, thanks for the information on the usage of the 51/53 this is very useful information for my research, as well as the information regarding the net, I did not realise it was based on a British design either. I can imagine that the helmet was not the best to jump in too, regards Opex
I have managed to source another Lizard Pattern to complete one of my TAP M-56 helmets, this one is another hood but is distinctly different than my other Lizard hood cover. I have seen these type of Hood covers which follows the Mle-64 style of hood used by African nations who are formal French colonies e.g Chad. I would welcome any opinions,thank you looking best regards Opex
Very nice opex ,a very desirable helmet and the cover and band look superb on it ,you lucky so and so
Last edited by James C; 07-26-2020 at 11:37 AM.
Regards James
I never thought of it that way ,maybe we should consolidate our lids in a halfway house
Last edited by James C; 03-16-2024 at 01:55 PM.
Regards James
The best way to value a collection
Back to the Hood, it is effectively a M64 model
It is very uncomon to find them camouflaged as the french army was using the green "vert armée".
Most probably an export version with a specific camouflage as you suggested. The camouflage seems a little dirent from the F2 version.
Nice find and very nice display too
Bruno
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