PAVN Pith Helmet - military or tourist?

[feldgrau33]

Hello, along with the steel helmets and mortar i purchased, i also bought this PAVN pith helmet. My question is, is this a military issue or a civillian aka tourist purpose only? The helmet is crude made especially on the placement of the vent hole which is assymetrical.


The vent hole is weird looking too.


There’s some dried glue spot too.


The label (super durable helmet, warranty 12 months?)


The seller also send the helmet paper container. And i think its from the other sun helmet since the words mean is (advance super durable helmet, warranty 2 years?)


Btw i found these photos depicting the construction of the pith helmet. Photos from Pachot - Photographer profile


So gentlemen, is this a military issue sun helmet? Or a tourist one?
Thank you.

[António Fragoeiro]

Turistic piece.....

[feldgrau33]

Wow. That's really fast!
Thank you!

[harryamb2]

well I'LL be pithed.lol

[battle gear]

modern current production for civillians / tourists

not a Vietnam War time piece

value probaby $15 retail price

[feldgrau33]

well I'LL be pithed.lol

lol

modern current production for civillians / tourists

not a Vietnam War time piece

value probaby $15 retail price

Thank you and right on the money. I bought that with the same price.

[battle gear]

I found this photo taken recently in late 2014 and the PAVN / Vietnamese army still uses these, so it could be both for civilians and military use.

[Greg Pickersgill]

battlegear seems have have answered my question, demonstrating that this helmet (for want of a better word) is actually in use with the modern Vietnamese army. and in use by a wide swathe of VN society if feldgrau's pics are representative. Interesting. I have always gone along with the party line that these were almost certainly tourist products but I am more than happy to change my mind. All the labelling in feldgrau's example is something that says 'government issue' and not junk for the gullible.

[Wagriff]

Well made, but not military. A military piece certainly wouldn't have a 12 month warranty tag in it, in any case.