Itialian helmet..ww2???

**darrenj40** · 09-02-2010, 09:14 AM

hello all, what are your thoughts on this helmet, is it ww2 period or post war..thanks i dont have any better pictures..

**magicdutchmen** · 09-02-2010, 11:11 AM

I am afraid it's a Bulgarian M51/72 as described here Untitled Document

**darrenj40** · 09-02-2010, 08:23 PM

Thank you for your reply and link you have saved me some cash....

**battle gear** · 09-06-2010, 04:14 AM

the Bulgarian M51/72 is a cold war era helmet based on the Italian M33 but it is not identical

these are worth around $20 or less, I bought one in excellent cond for only $7.99 buy it now

looks exactly like the one in your photo and also marked size 59

**battle gear** · 09-06-2010, 05:15 PM

I heard the Bulgarian M51/72 was also exported to several countries like Algeria, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Cuba and others

here are photos of the Lebanese army wearing similiar helmets, probably the Bulgarian M51/72

**emileverbunt** · 09-07-2010, 08:58 AM

Italian helmets. Post war. See wide webbing straps, like used on British MkII.

Cheers,
Emile

**battle gear** · 09-08-2010, 05:03 PM

by emileverbunt

Italian helmets. Post war. See wide webbing straps, like used on British MkII.

Cheers,
Emile

yes, also the profile of the Italian helmet looks different than the Bulgarian, the Italian helmet has a more rounded shape and different shape on the side and also has larger rivet / air vents

here is the Italian M33 for comparision of the side profile / shape