AFAIK there was no difference in the shell shape. Although I think there was between the M1 and M2.
Indeed, many of the Vietnam era ones were reconditioned WW2 M1 shells.
There are certain differences in the shell construction that allow you to date helmets (fixed bails/swivel bails, front seam rim/rear seam rim being a couple.
Take a look at the following websites for your research. They are full of information and reference images.
http://www.toppots.net
http://www.m-1helmet.com
http://www.jmurrayinc1944.com
http://www.hardscrabblefarm.com/ww2/dating_m1.htm
Yes, the converted M1s are fine. In fact, any M1 is fine for airsoft be it be it pre, or post, 1945.
To be honest, SoF seem quite expensive. You'll pick up better deals at militaria fairs.
While we're on the subject of authentic M1's. Does anyone know the "technical term" for the leather front chin strap attachment points that sit on the inside of the liner. I need to get my hands on some, as my M1 is missing them.
I have included a pic to help add my question.
Not sure if there is a technical term. 'Liner chinstrap anchor points?'
Weird that yours doesn't have them. Are there holes where they should be?
S
Nope no holes at all...its like they never exsited. Its very weird.
I'd imagine what you've got there is a post war liner, perhaps of European manufacture that never had a leather chin strap for the liner, I have seen them for sale at various shows.
-Marc-
4th Wilts LHG
WW2 armoury: WA M1911A1 SCW, TM M1A1 TSMG, AGM STEN Mk2, AGM MP40, S&S M1 Garand.
yeah thats what im beginning to think. even my Nam era M1 has them... but thats an original so im not gonna start taking that apart.
Ive sent an email to J Murray asking if they stock the item, or if they can point me in the right direction.
Well i have a dutch M1 and mine has those, unless i have a US liner, and a Dutch shell ?
I have a US shell date marked 1963 but a modern blue plastic liner. it still has the chin strap anchor points
Many people have told me over the years that either WW2 or post war M1 shells have shallower domes-not sure which but to be honest it cannot be that noticeable as i cannot tell the difference in the loads of M1s ive owned over the years.
Nato shells i believe have a slightly narrower edging rim and some have brass swivel bales but apart from ideal as late/post war M1s.
As for liners some post war nato fibre ones are fitted for the leather liner chinstrap-some arent.
Just to make another suggestion, if you're MEGA rich check out Law Dog helmets, type it in to Google. Can't remember the actual address.
Show me a man who will jump out of an airplane, and I'll show you a man who will fight!
General James M. Gavin
CRY HAVOC AND LET LOOSE THE DOGS OF WAR
http://www.lawdogsteelhelmets.com/index.html
I like the look of the worn/aged look helmets. Anyone know how to get that effect?
chuck it around a bit?
well its more than just wear and tear...its like aging on the painted decals..looks cool
Also my M1 helmet has as i understand it to be an horizontal NCO stripe along the base at the rear. What rank could i reflect with that? I was thinking sergent or lieutenant
anymore suggestions
Horizontal bar for NCOs, cpl and sgt
Vertical bar for all commissioned officers
Join Now!
http://www.lawdogsteelhelmets.com/index.html
I like the look of the worn/aged look helmets. Anyone know how to get that effect?
i've been in touch when I was doing one of my helmets and he's got a special painting technique and the original paint and equipment. But he wouldn't divulge exactly how he does it. It probably involves a slightly off white paint and a heat gun...like you use to strip off paint?
Also my M1 helmet has as i understand it to be an horizontal NCO stripe along the base at the rear. What rank could i reflect with that? I was thinking sergent or lieutenant
anymore suggestions
What ever you portray...it won't reflect your rank in game. A lot of people doe this, rank up as sergeant and think that it means that they're going to have a squad. That's why I leave mine without a rank on. Doesn't detract from the look but means you can be what you're assigned on the day.
Show me a man who will jump out of an airplane, and I'll show you a man who will fight!
General James M. Gavin
CRY HAVOC AND LET LOOSE THE DOGS OF WAR
What ever you portray...it won't reflect your rank in game. A lot of people doe this, rank up as sergeant and think that it means that they're going to have a squad. That's why I leave mine without a rank on. Doesn't detract from the look but means you can be what you're assigned on the day.
Im totally aware of that. That wasn't my reason for doing it. The helmet came with the NCO stripe already painted on. So i wanted to do it purely to tie the uniform together.
like i have pointed out in other threads, dont forget that your portraying a period when your equipment would be new (ish) , i think i mentioned about a guy in a 1944 dated dennison smock that looked nearly 70 years old, in 1944 it wouldnt have looked that faded so dont age you stuff too much mate, weathered yes, but not knackered lol.
