Morning everyone,
here are some examples of Italian paratrooper helmet M42/60, are all examples used in years 70 and 80 and have passed various reconditioning, I add also the details of a net for M33/47 and M42/60 helmets.
The original color was kakhi-green visible inside of all three examples, two of them however were covered with dark green, less visible.
As it happens for M33, also these helmets have been painted with anti-rust yellow paint (that reminds me of zinc chromate primer used to protect aircraft's internal parts) and then covered with the final paint, the anti-rust is visible in the scratched parts.
This is the post war version of this helmet derived from the M33, it remains an icon for the Italian military history enthusiasts, especially because it is very similar to its predecessor M42 used by the "Folgore Division" in the Battle of El Alamein.
I add also another symbol of these elite Units, it's a beret used by a parachutist of the 2nd Battalion "Tarquinia" in the 70s, it is a private purchase of Canadian style, much appreciated by Italian Para.
In my opinion the untouched third example, very personal is very attractive, the central foam rubber has been removed by its owner to fit better.
Thanks for looking.
Roberto
Example dark green color
Example in original khaki-green color+net
Example in dark green color+net
Beret 2nd Battalion "Tarquinia"
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