USAAf M3 Flak Helmet

**aj4010** · 02-21-2013, 06:27 PM

Its been a busy day for me, having a couple of new arrivals here (helmet wise!) to help finally finish the display. This one I find interesting as I've never had one in hand before.
A few things struck me straight away. The first is that the paint has silica mixed in, not cork as I would have thought for the production time period.
Then the rim, welded in several places all around it, (no idea the type of weld, spot?) then the welds have been ground down. A very different production technique from the regular M1.

No front or rear seam as such, the weld at the front has been ground smooth, like all the others around the rim.
Also, it seems to be rather more flimsy in hand rather than the normal M1.

The chinstrap holders seem to be the regular M1 swivel bale type.

Other fixtures and fittings

Lit "on stage" in the war room.

With goggles.

Best Regards,

Andy

**cricketchris1944** · 02-21-2013, 06:36 PM

Nice helmet.
I like the pictures you took good job.
chris

**RH1941** · 02-21-2013, 06:36 PM

Andy nice helmet

**aj4010** · 02-21-2013, 06:44 PM

Thanks cricket and RH I did enjoy photographing this one.

She is a nice example, and it's unusual to find them with the ear pads still attached. I'm trying to work out how the metal headband is fixed in there, no spotwelds to be seen.

Andy

**Nitram** · 02-21-2013, 07:31 PM

by aj4010

Thanks cricket and RH I did enjoy photographing this one.

She is a nice example, and it's unusual to find them with the ear pads still attached. I'm trying to work out how the metal headband is fixed in there, no spotwelds to be seen.

Andy

There's an inner rim that the headband is riveted to, and the rim itself is welded I believe.

**James C** · 02-21-2013, 07:37 PM

just superb andy ,another high quality example for the collection and well displayed

**aj4010** · 02-21-2013, 07:37 PM

by Nitram

There's an inner rim that the headband is riveted to, and the rim itself is welded I believe.

It must be, but damn, you cant see the weld!

Andy

**GIZMO8Z** · 02-21-2013, 07:45 PM

Nice one, Andy!

**aj4010** · 02-21-2013, 07:50 PM

by cricketchris1944

Nice helmet.
I like the pictures you took good job.
chris

Thanks chris, 124 shots to get these!

Andy

**aj4010** · 02-21-2013, 08:16 PM

I'm working on the top shelf of the display, I'm waiting for some interesting original "Gee" bomber maps (and a set of cool shades for the other guy!) to go behind, so the wall does not look so bare. When its finished ill post in the collections thread.
Rough shots.