The Yanks are coming: US helmets, 1917 - 1987

Here are all but two of my American helmets.  Center row, third down, is the latest from a Korean War veteran.

On Wednesday I returned to work after a three-week bout of covid.  I was greeted by a co-worker with a shopping bag under his arm.  Imagine my delight when this very nice M1 emerged.  It belonged to a neighbor of his in Queens, New York who had served in the Korean War.  My friend said that he spent many happy summer days playing army with this helmet.

The center row, from top down represents the M1 from 1942 through 1987.

This is one of those instances of people giving me helmets because I have made it known that I collect them.  I have been gifted ten or twelve helmets in this manner over the past 51 years.

Don't be shy about spreading the word that you collect.

Mannie

German m.40 helmet manufacture

 Here's a short video showing the manufacture of German m.40 helmets:

(Not OSHA approved)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4jveoKtVCI

Upgrading the Indian M74 combat helmet

 Go here to see the whole fascinating process of turning a not very good helmet into a much more attractive, not very good helmet.  It is interesting to note how extensively cyanoacrylate glue is used in this process.  Also noteworthy is how this major military materiel refurbishment program utilizes such small shops.

The M74 is an ugly duckling of a helmet with a riddell suspension, velcro fastened two-point chinstrap, and a fiberglass shell with little ballistic value.  The "upgrade" to these helmets has mostly been cosmetic.

Using cottage-labor, India has refurbished an entire army's-worth of helmets, extending the life of the aged M74 well into the 21st century.