M1A1 LL German paratrooper helmet

[Redstalker]

Hi guys here I have a German paratrooper helmet. This particular model was manufactured by the Schuberth Werke in 1973. Inked on the liner is the number 53 so I assume this is the size? There is also a number 53 marked on the front of the helmet again size??? It is very small and doesn't fit my head but it's in a well used condition. The other odd thing I spotted is the remnants of a Belgium flag decal on the left side of the helmet. Where these used by Belgium forces? Love your input on this one guys. Thanks for looking

[OldSteel]

Hi Ian,
a nice paratrooper helmet used by the Belgian Army, compared to its brother used by German Army, it has a slightly modified chinstrap and different bolts.
The smaller sizes I have seen are 55, if 53 is the size, should be really small.
Here is the German version for comparison.

Regards
Roberto

[Redstalker]

Thanks Roberto I found this picture with the modified chin strap like my one with this description.
'Belgian Para-Commando, wearing the mid-1970s Belgian 'Jigsaw' pattern uniform and armed with the Belgian FN FNC 5.56mm assault rifle. He is seen wearing the M71 helmet, a slightly-modified variant of the West German Modell 1A1 LL 'Luftlandetruppenstahlhelm'.

[Greg Pickersgill]

Take a look on this thread - Parachute/Airborne Helmets and HSAT's from around the world - some useful notes on the Belgian helmet, as well as lots of other good stuff.

[James C]

Ian i have been having a rummage through the junk pile and found a few coverings and nets for your latest helmet pick ups ,the BW amoebatarn zelt sections looks ok when held down with the clipped net but will need your patience as i quickly threw it on ,oh and also i have found a section of K4 pea pattern ( a former jacket hood ) that had been trimmed and stitched into a helmet cover by the former owner and a net Paul kindly gifted me a while back ,i will fire this package across the Mersey asap mate

[James C]

Not sure the hollow liner bolts are an accurate method of identifying a Belgian issue against Bundeswehr issue ,I picked up this nice M1A1LL with help from our good friend Steve (Oradour ) and noticed the solid liner bolts just as Ian's example shows ... others details to note that do show slight differances between is the liner leather fingers..8 on Ian's 9 on my example and 9 foam spacers between the liner and shell on Ian's and 10 spacers on my example ,i wonder what other minor differances and variations there are out there

[Reibert]

Hi, mates,

spotted this thread a short while ago.

It´s an belgian M71 actually.
Belgian colours removed, (scratched out).


belgium m71 parachutist helmet

Belgian paratroopers helmet mfg by West Germany