Normandy Helmet Question

i believe this was true but the swivel bales came later in the war.

An M2 D-Bale helmet is the ideal, failing that a fixed bale M1 shell with airborne chinstrap and liner fitted would be next in line. Swivel bales may have been present in small numbers in Normandy but I would leave a swivel bale helmet for Market Garden and after scenarios.

Finally made a decision - I'm leaving it as a swivel bale. I know they would have been rare, but its easier, no risk of me ruining the helmet and gives me a helmet that can be used in all scenarios.

Thanks for the help.

Well I've got three US helmets, one M2 D-Bale, a fixed bale M1 I converted from a swivel bale and an M1C swivel bale. The only one I've ever worn to any degree is the M2, for a para load out it covers all bases. But as is oft said on these forums "it's only airsoft" and I would agree with you that leaving it as a swivel makes the most sense. If you are feeling flush one day you could treat yourself to a "proper" M2 D-Bale from Josh Murray 1944 or Top Pots.

http://www.jmurrayinc1944.com/www/M2Dbale.htm

http://www.toppots.net/

Or even get urself an original, id like one, but they go for Hundreds epsecially if they have service information on them. My Nam helmet was a lucky find that has details on it and small amounts of graffiti..i dont think the guy knew what he was selling me.

Might do - I thought I could diversify into WW2 on the cheap, how wrong I was, its already cost me much more than expected so another helmet is off the cards at the moment.

I've still some amendments to do to my liner (get the A straps on and press studs for the chin strap), so I've enough to keep me busy without thinking about the bales - pity I've just received my D bales!

Well you've always got the option of doing the conversion at a later date if you so choose. It's not that difficult to do, on mine I removed the swivel bales and cleaned it up with the aid of a Dremel. In the end I didn't actually weld the fixed bales I had made, I glued the things in place with JB Weld! Worked a treat and they're still good four years later.

yeah ww2 is expensive. Which is why i thought id commit and sell off most of my modern gear...including my beloved M249.

I knew what i was getting myself into as ive previously had an SAS black kit which was made up of 100% accurate stuff from various sources. the Gas mask alone was £100 plus the £90 i spent on Anti flash lenses ( which u cant get on the public market)

Its certainly a life style change, but its fun to get involved in.

Well you've always got the option of doing the conversion at a later date if you so choose. It's not that difficult to do, on mine I removed the swivel bales and cleaned it up with the aid of a Dremel. In the end I didn't actually weld the fixed bales I had made, I glued the things in place with JB Weld! Worked a treat and they're still good four years later.

JB weld,never heard of it.
Is it readily available-if it works that good i could do with some

M2 helmets realy are the dogs bollox but beware as the D bales were an actual weak point on originals hence why they changed to the swivel bale M1C so be gentle as even the best available repros from the likes of J Murray arent indestructible when it comes to the D bales

just a quick question, I saw this helmet on sale, guy says it is M1, these are the pictures

he also says it is the same like this

http://tinyurl.com/5x3uyu

11 pounds

Is this model issued in WW2? Or precisely, for The Market Garden?

It's impossible to tell if the shell and liner are WW2 era from those photos. There are a number of giveaways including the positions of the seam on the rim, an insignia hole in the liner etc.

It's definitely a post war refurb at the very least. At that price, I'd say it's Vietnam era. The liner is nice looking though. Well worth £11.

should I ask him to take the picture of some other corner or something like that (or without liner?)

(because in most cases they don't know what they are selling, you can buy kar98 for 100 pounds: reason--> it is old )

Use this link and make your own mind up:

http://www.hardscrabblefarm.com/ww2/dating_m1.htm

£11 is a good price for a post-war helmet.

thank you very much for the link.

so I can use this helmet for reenacting (or at least to start it)?

yes, a lot of people already told me that I am boring

For £11 a bargain.The way the sweatband attaches to the liner would make it a Post War Nato Belgian/Dutch/Austrian/Norgi one by the looks of it.

Go for it

At least the liner's not plastic. It's a high-pressure liner.

Sure is

just a quick question, I saw this helmet on sale, guy says it is M1, these are the pictures

he also says it is the same like this

http://tinyurl.com/5x3uyu

11 pounds

Is this model issued in WW2? Or precisely, for The Market Garden?

The US used the M1 helmet all the way up until the mid-80's, you can see pics of some of the rangers wearing them in Grenada, where they were being phased out with the PASGT armour. Possibly why it has a US woodland cover on it and the cliped on straps on the bails.

i had a 1980s m1 with a woodland cammo cover that was ex jamiacan / west indies armed forces, us made for overseas contract.( thats what the printed lable on the inside said)