My new dutch (KNIL) Helmet

[Jean Loup]

Hello

I just want to share my last find : a dutch (KNIL) helmet (Royal Dutch Indian Army), probably a Milsco made











Thank you for watching.

Jean Loup

[James C]

Great example and well photographed Jean Loup ,thanks for sharing

[Composite]

Is the neck piece a fire-Fighting feature or is it Military pls?

[Jean Loup]

Hello
Thank you!
This military helmet was used in warm zone (Indonesia, New Guinea,...). The neck piece was also against sun. There is asbestos too!
Jean Loup

[Composite]

That’s quite a thick heavy sun guard....re the asbestos, is that in the inner crown liner “cap”?

I may as well throw in the usual “Asbestos beware!” warning.

[Jean Loup]

I've read that the asbestos is under the orange fabric. I don't want to verify!!
Best regards,
Jean Loup

[emileverbunt]

Hello Jean,

Nice complete hemet. This is indeed a MILSCO. Also known to collectors as the M41 KNIL MILSCO 1. There were two sizes. This seems to be the smaller one.

BTW Milsco stands for Milwaukee Saddlery Company.

Cheers,
Emile

[Jean Loup]

Hello

Thanks for the information. What are the special features of a MILSCO helmet?
Best regards,
Jean Loup

EDIT: the source for asbestos in the liner : The “Steel” Tropical Helmet of the KNIL | Military Sun Helmets

[emileverbunt]

Hello Jean,

The Milsco has a different chinstrap buckle, compared to the VerBlifa and NEI (Netherlands East Indies) made ones. Otherwise it is a close copy of the M39 KNIL made by VerBlifa. The Milsco did not have the lionplate on the front.

These helmets were used by the KNIL, the Royal Netherlands Navy (till the end of the forties) and troops in Surinam and on the Netherlands Antilles. Afterwards the Navy helmets were refurbished for CD use.

Cheers,
Emile

[Jean Loup]

Merci :-)

Thank you :-)

Jean Loup