Unknown M1 helmet

[edelweiss66]

I recently bought this M1 helmet, I was looking for a US Army M1 from the Vietnam War period, but I found this one, which I immediately found strange. I assume that he is from one of the countries of the NATO pact. The metal shell is marked DETROIT 637. The plastic cartridge is marked SW/70 in a circle.

I found a Dutch helmet M53, similar like this one, but I'm confused by the Detroit mark.

During the Homeland War in Croatia, there was a large concentration of all possible helmets as military aid to the Croatian army. It is possible to find anything, up to some "exotic" helmets.
Greetings from Croatia!

[Estonian]

Controle 637

[Jack59]

Hi, yes this is a Dutch M53 helmet, originally an US M1 then manufactured by 3 different countries! What you think was DETROIT is the acceptance Dutch control stamp CONTROLE 637.

This plastic liner is from Germany's manufacturer SCHUBERTH.
The liners could be from USA (older), Austria, Germany (same initials as for the metallic shell) or also from the Netherlands: NV Beccon BEC.

If you look at the front of the steel helmet under the metal rim you could see the manufacturer's identity: U's or U SCH Austria. LS, SH, SW, N & VDN: Germany. Example: SW 1/72
Or stamped with ink in the shell: KL Verlbifa VB, Netherlands

Regards
Jack

[edelweiss66]

Hi, yes this is a Dutch M53 helmet, originally an US M1 then manufactured by 3 different countries! What you think was DETROIT is the acceptance Dutch control stamp CONTROLE 637.

This plastic liner is from Germany's manufacturer SCHUBERTH.
The liners could be from USA (older), Austria, Germany (same initials as for the metallic shell) or also from the Netherlands: NV Beccon BEC.

If you look at the front of the steel helmet under the metal rim you could see the manufacturer's identity: U's or U SCH Austria. LS, SH, SW, N & VDN: Germany. Example: SW 1/72
Or stamped with ink in the shell: KL Verlbifa VB, Netherlands

Regards
Jack

Jack, thank you for the detailed explanation. I don't know much about M1 helmets, I just know that you can find a lot of them here in Croatia and obviously there are many different models. When I buy it up I thought it was an American ww2 helmet... Especially since my friend told me that it mark "Detroit".

[Jack59]

You're welcome eidelweiss66,
Your helmet may not be a US M1 but was probably involved in the struggle for Croatia's independence 30 years ago. You have a nice helmet, enjoy it.
Regards
Jack