Camo M1 helmet from the vietnam period - a mystery

[Sleepwalker]

Hello,

I would like to introduce you to this camo helmet. It comes from the estate of a Vietnam veteran that I got from his family along with other helmets. Unfortunately without any information about the origin etc. etc.

It is an Ingersoll shell with the heatstamp: I 8515.
The shell is lavishly provided with a different colored camouflage pattern in the shape of a leaf. It looks like real leaves were used as stencils. The shell shows clear signs of wear and tear.

































On the side there are still the remains of symbols, letters or characters on the helmet. Unfortunately no longer legible.







The chin straps are painted olive from North & Judd with the anchor symbol.
It says "Some Day" on the chin strap.









The liner is a P1956 from Westinghouse. Also worn stronger. Unfortunately, the chin strap is missing.











The helmet was probably worn without a cover.


Do you have any idea where exactly it could have been used?


Regards

[TheGoon]

I’d say it could have been done at base camp in Vietnam, he grabbed a leaf and painted it on some down time. Very interesting for sure.

[Sleepwalker]

I took a look at the way it works.

First the helmet was sprayed dark. Then put some leaves on it. Then it was sprayed over with lighter olive. So the leaf patterns were preserved. Then there were fine stripes or patches in olive over it.

[PaddyD00]

Sleepwalker. Nice lid. I have seen 1 or 2 of these before but have written them off as post VN war enhanced Camo. Meaning like a souvenir or something and not a battle helmet. I have 0 basis for my comments. Was just a gut feeling. Giorgio from IWF was selling one as well. I believe I took a screen shot of it for reference. I will try to find it and post it here for you to compare. That said. This item seems to look a bit more untouched than that one. I am unfamiliar if period pictures exist of “leaf” cammo’d M1s. I’m sure USMF it has been discussed. I’ll try to find that as well. Interesting pickup. Could very well be a good one. Hard to authenticate.

Z

[PaddyD00]

Here is all I could Dig up ..... Sorry it is not much Information Friend .... But at least you can see some other examples .....

Here is a Link to another posted .... And below was one sold on Ebay by IWF

Bird Dog Helmet - M-1; M-1C & M-2 HELMETS - U.S. Militaria Forum

[Tank Destroyer]

I’ve always like this style of helmet, maybe because I’ve always wanted a ARVN helmet. I like it, I can’t comment on originality but I would have it my collection in a heart beat.

Congratulations,
Marty

[Sleepwalker]

Hi there,

Thank you for your information and assessments.

The helmet from this link

Bird Dog Helmet - M-1; M-1C & M-2 HELMETS - U.S. Militaria Forum

apart from the script, it has clear similarities. The design is identical and the same type of leaves may even have been used.

I can hardly believe in a souvenir with my helmet due to the clear and strong signs of use.

Unfortunately, I haven't found any pictures that prove this type of camouflage either. The search continues.


I cannot say whether it could be an ARVN helmet or a similarly embellished helmet for us troops. Here, too, there are no pictures.

Here I found a picture that has at least one leaf pattern

RVNHS VIRTUAL MUSEUM: ARVN Camouflage Helmet

Regards

[Tank Destroyer]

I still like it.