Swiss M18/43 (M40/43)

[Steelhead10]

Hi all,

I've been on the hunt for a decent Swiss M18 or M40 helmet for a good price for a while but the prices have been on the rise so I picked this one up recently at what I considered a fair price.

I've been trying to work out which shell this one is as, I may need another to compare

This example has the Kyburz stamping along with another stamp above this and the uptilt to the rear of the helmet. It has the horseshoe model 40 liner. The chinstrap retainers are painted in olive green along with the buckle. The shell is painted with the black/dark grain course/textured paint on the outside and dark grey inside. There doesn't appear to be any evidence of any olive green under this paint.

I hope you all enjoy,
Matt

[JesperS]

Hi Matt,

Nice helmet and an M18 shell for sure.
They aren't that easy to tell apart, but I made a comparison post here: Swiss M18/40

/Jesper

[Steelhead10]

Hi Jesper,

Excellent comparison and thanks for your reply. I'll still be keeping a look out for more examples.

Matt

[Jack59]

Hi Matt, here are a few shots of mine for comparaison. Note the paint stains on the headband.















Always fun to handle the M18.
Jack

[Steelhead10]

Hi Jack,

Looks like a great example their. Out of curiosity after looking at the photos do you know when the chinstrap buckles changed to or from the flat one or the rounder version?

Matt

[Jack59]

Hello Matt,
Good question, I cannot tell but I'll have a look at WW Helmet, their M18 helmet information is quite interesting. I'll get the link at the same time, the site is in French with great photos.
Jack

[Jack59]

Hello Matt,the

The chinstrap was modified the first time in 1924, before that, soldiers often cut the surplus of the chinstrap who was meant to be used with the gas mask on! Your sliding buckle is the one who kept the excess strap ajustement away, preventing it from being cut. Your bucle was recycled a few times I beleive. The chinstrap on my M18/43 is from the last modification dating from 1930. Have a look on War Helmets : World War Helmets - Casque Modele 18
It's worth the visit.
Jack