Originally I had posted this as an M23-27, and asked for help in identifying markings etc. No sooner did I hit "post" than facebook friend Reinout de Waal sent me this message:
Mannie, judging by it's shape it is in fact a M.34 dutch helmet (easy way to tell the difference is if you put the model on solid ground and see if you can put your fingers under the rim (not possible with M27). The grey paint, red liner and flat rivets indicate that this particular model has been reissued after the war by the "Bescherming bevolking" civil protection. The blue bar was to indicate command structure.
Thanks Reinout, for contributing to this blog.
On we go!
Some of my favorite things are Dutch
The crunchy goodness of Voortman cookies...
The artistic vision of Jan Vermeer...
that crazy-ass Rutger Hauer...
and of course, the Netherlands M34 Steel Helmet
The Dutch had a unique helmet design,
a unique army.
and the last laugh on the Nazis
I really like this singularly Dutch helmet, altogether unlike any other and a stand-out in my collection.
The bronze shield of the Dutch Lion is appears on the front of this lid
The steep front and scalloped rear provide almost a medieval appearance
As mentioned above, Reinout notes:
"The grey paint, red liner and flat rivets indicate that this particular model has been reissued after the war by the "Bescherming bevolking" civil protection. The blue bar was to indicate command structure."
This closeup shows a highly stylized and artistically rendered rampant lion.
Possibly the inspiration behind the antics of Gene Simmons?
Yikes!
The slot in the rear rim provides a purchase for fastening the helmet to a backpack.
The significance of the only marking in the helmet is related to its civil defense duty.
The handsome (and characteristic to the civil defence use of this helmet) ox-blood leather liner is very European though the skirt and fastener at the rear is unique to this model of helmet as well as the Dutch-inspired Romanian model.
No markings appear on the liner interior or exterior. The quality of the leather is outstanding, however the felt padding is minimal.
From above the flared rear skirt is very apparent.
The buckle of hardened wire is simple and efficient.
The chinstrap is affixed with a rivet and a leather washer; a nice touch.
The rolled edge is emblematic of the overall high quality manufacture of this helmet
A helmet that I am very pleased to have in the collection
And, is it just me?
