Former French used M1.

**Opex** · 08-30-2014, 11:19 AM

Hi Guy's, here's an M1 which I deeply suspect was used by the French Army, I bought this helmet years ago which was covered in a horrible non-military green, as a result of carefully removing the paint I discovered the rank on the front of the shell. The liner is a Westy (with repairs). I would value your opinions,Opex

**Mark K** · 08-30-2014, 12:16 PM

Hi Gary interesting lid can I ask why you suspect it was used by the French military .

Regards Mark

**Opex** · 08-30-2014, 12:20 PM

by kozowy1967

Hi Gary interesting lid can I ask why you suspect it was used by the French military .

Regards Mark

Hi Mark,thanks for looking and for the query, due to the rank on the front of the shell I assumed French, as I have a reference book with French used M1's demonstrated,and it's similar .

**battle gear** · 08-30-2014, 06:06 PM

it looks similiar to the Rank on this Peruvian M1?

Peru M1 - Brendon's Helmets

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...s-Enlisted.jpg

**Opex** · 08-31-2014, 10:20 AM

by battle gear

it looks similiar to the Rank on this Peruvian M1?

Peru M1 - Brendon's Helmets

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...s-Enlisted.jpg

Thanks for the opinion and for the excellent reference links BG,most appreciated. On a side note I really like the Peruvian Helmet cover camo pattern

**ruddersrangers44** · 08-31-2014, 10:57 AM

Well its certainly a talking point Helmet Gary,see what you mean regarding the heavy paintwork,typical of South American style M1's,I presume the sweatband and net were locally source as they both seem to be of the wrong colour for US made hardware,luv the markings to the front,the liner webbing looks almost to be of two differant types,but maybe just the pics,thanks for sharing,and please keep showing your awesome collection.......

**Opex** · 09-02-2014, 07:52 PM

by ruddersrangers44

Well its certainly a talking point Helmet Gary,see what you mean regarding the heavy paintwork,typical of South American style M1's,I presume the sweatband and net were locally source as they both seem to be of the wrong colour for US made hardware,luv the markings to the front,the liner webbing looks almost to be of two differant types,but maybe just the pics,thanks for sharing,and please keep showing your awesome collection.......

Thanks Jake, the sweatband, net and liner chinstrap are definitely not US issue, the webbing in the liner has had some repairs using some sort of similar colour HBT material and the shell's chinstrap look's French issue to me,I agree a good talking point in all

**battle gear** · 09-02-2014, 08:27 PM

by Opex

Thanks Jake, the sweatband, net and liner chinstrap are definitely not US issue, the webbing in the liner has had some repairs using some sort of similar colour HBT material and the shell's chinstrap look's French issue to me,I agree a good talking point in all

the rough HBT cotton material used for the sweatband also looks a lot like something made by the French on the M51? I agree the chin straps also appear to be of French origin, maybe this helmet was used by a foreign country that was supplied by the France like the war for Algerian independence movements from 1954 - 1962 era

**Opex** · 09-03-2014, 08:22 PM

Many thanks for the very useful reference picture, and your opinions BG, I have handled many French helmets over the years ( as they are my most favourite Helmet genre) and have a feeling the parts used are more than likely French in origin, and would wholeheartedly agree the large weave HBT is of the French "type".