Morning everyone,
I wanted to show you this last little addition to my collection, this is an Italian parachutist helmet M42/60, quite used but complete with all its original accessories, even the paint is the original khaki-green, and this is something not much common.
In fact, these helmets had a long operational life during which they were often revised and repainted.
I also added the net and the cover, it could be used with a combination of these accessories.
I have many examples of this model, but when I find an interesting one I gladly add it to the collection, this because in the Italian military tradition this iconic helmet is very popular.
This derives from the fact that it is directly linked to the best units of the Italian Army and to important historical facts, first of all: the epic resistance of the Folgore Parachute Division during the second battle of El Alamein; an event very remembered in my Country.
It is becoming uncommon, because it is no longer in use since early 90s, moreover it has been produced in a limited number of examples.
Another thing that seemed interesting to me to share, is the jump uniform for which this helmet was an essential component, even today it is quite rare to find in good condition, they lived together from 1960 to 1990.
This is a mint example in my collection, the helmet you see together with the uniform is a M42/60 with the dark green color adopted after 1975.
This uniform, specially designed for the airborne troops is very accurate, with padding in critical points and straps to make it adherent to the body, so it has remained in use for thirty years; deliberately some details have been left that recall the Folgore uniforms of WW2 period, for example: the type of camouflage and the closure of jacket pockets, of the type called "bat wings”.
They are all testimonies of a time when the Elite Military Units were equipped with a dedicated equipment, which represented a proud sign of distinction.
A note for collectors: this rare uniform was supplied only by the Paratroopers of the "Folgore" Brigade and the 1st Carabinieri Paratrooper "Tuscania" Regiment, and should not be confused with the very common "over dress M58" camouflage garment supplied to all the other Army Units until 1975; It has the same color but is completely different.
Regards
Roberto
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