Well, its about time someone put up some more images of one of my favourite helmets. You just can't get enough. NB always worth remembering that there seem to have been few new shells done for the M40-63 (or even the later incarnation M40/63B? with the three-point straps), seemingly all re-using the original M40 shells. Even the earliest (and hardest to find) with inserted vent grommets were recycled. Elegant little helmet, has a degree of charm to it.
I agree Greg, the Portuguese M40 is one of those helmets that kept it's classic style & was able to stretch a leg for more than 40 years.
And yes, it's one of those helmet with charm.
Hello Estonian, thanks to show your "modified" M40/ 63 helmet. It concludes nicely this thread. This last modification improved the helmet's stability with the addition of the third bale at the back of the shell. We can also see that the sweatband is now of a thick web type. I believe that the new 3 point chinstrap may have it's influence from the Japanese "Kobe" helmet (4 point) or Type 90 (3 point).
Japanese "Kobe" helmet was tested but rejected by the Portuguese in 1939.
C. H. Yust
What I find very interesting is the Portuguese early usage of Velcro with the chinstrap. Let me present other 3 point velcro chinstraps helmets adopted afterwards.
French F1 helmet (1978)
French F2 helmet (1993)
Serbian M59/85 helmet with late 90s modifications
(temporary measure until the new M97 was available)
Serbian M97 helmet (1997)
Portuguese troops in Africa, early 60s.
Note the vents on the early M40s helmets.
Sources:
Paolo Marzetti ELMETTI, 2003 edtion, page 299.
World War Helmets - Casque Modele 30 "Kobe"
World War Helmets - Casque Modele 940/63 (modifie)
World War Helmets - Casque Modele 59/85 experimental
World War Helmets - Casque Modele composite TTA
The last photo is wonderful James! The M40, it's cover & the vegetation in the back.
Thanks mate
Thanks Estonian, now we have the whole family including grandpa who as a lot of character by the way & could certainly entertaining us with plenty of stories.
Regards
Jack
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