James, another excellent lid, I had my eye on one of these for quite some time and finally picked one up about a year ago, you may have seen it on the kids web site. If you don't mind, I'll share it here as well as long as a little info on the M53 and our particular lid:
Dutch M53
As in most cases, the entrance into NATO required a certain degree of standardization of equipment. Such is the case with the Dutch and the development of the M53 helmet. The Dutch adoption of US M1 two piece helmet produced a near exact copy of the US shell. Early liners were also a near exact clone of the US M1 liner, however later were made of an ABS type plastic with suspension similar to that of the US WWII period liner and void of vent hole. Dutch M53 shells were produced in several colors, corresponding to the related branch of service and the liners were color matched to the shell. The shells were fitted with the distinctive Dutch “anti-strangulation” chin strap, often referred to as the “arrowhead” chin strap. The liner chin strap also differs from that of the US style, opting for a thin cotton strap over the US leather design. Earlier M53 helmets were produced by one of three Dutch and German companies. Later M53 helmets were imported from Austria, who exported M-1 clones to many countries. The reason for the Dutch to import these helmets is not certain, possibly just more economically feasible or possibly due to quality issues the Dutch did have with their production.
Dressed in burlap and netting that is held in place by a rubber band cut from a tire inner tube, this is a classic example of the Dutch M53 NATO helmet. Under the burlap is a dark OD green shell, produced at the Linnemann & Schnetzer facility and dated 1982 (stamp under visor rim reads L S 82). The OD green plastic liner is unmarked but does poses all of the distinctive features of a Dutch produced liner.
Regards,
Russ
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