Was very pleased to finally add a Iraqi Model 80 to my collection this particular example shows a good amount of wear to the exterior and interior alike the helmets were manufactured in South Korea and produced by ( HH Didizian and or Hyundai Heavy Department ) they are based after the model 76 which is a reference to the year of design..
Delivery of the 1'st Iraqi model 80's to the Iraqi government took place in early 1980 and they seen many years of service up to 2004 they are built in one size and weigh in at 935 grams and are approx 5mm thick they are constructed out of cotton fibres embedded in Corlon resin this is done in a high pressure mould by layering successive layers of cotton fibre cloth in resin this particular example has the mould number 43 stamped on the interior of the helmet body in the dome..
It is sporting a removable cradle type suspension in a light khaki green the cotton canvas is approximately 30 mm wide it is said to be modelled after the Riddell type suspension found in the US Model 72 liner complete with rear nape strap, it is fitted with a T-1 type chinstrap that has as well been modelled after examples found in use by the US in there M-1 helmets ( Model 1951 )
Take note that that helmets produced in South Korea for export to Iraq will be found marked with a small stamp in the form of a triangle this is done at the factory before being exported this is known as a " jihm " marking these can be found on the sweat band and or the centre web strap on the suspension as seen in the example below...
Regards Mark
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