With Parachutist Helmet production stopped in early 1945, there was a need for M-1C Parachutist Helmets late in the war for the preparation for the Invasion of Japan and you the 11th ABN grabbed up as many helmet liner as they could. This is where many of the "rigger modified" helmet came from. There were also new, factory production Type II liners made between the end of WWII and the early 50's but the 11th ABN and the 82nd still had demand for Type II Parachutist Helmet liners. As a result, contracts were issued to convert existing stock to Type II liners.
This helmet set is an example of a Type II Conversion fulfillment piece. The liner is a WWII Capac with steel rivets used for the A yokes and an early lightly marked web chincup. The helmet is factory repainted front seam with light texture vs heavier cork and the ABN chinstraps have green painted hardware. Josh Murray took a look at it and agreed it is a nice, solid example of a Type II Postwar contract fulfillment helmet and is likely a factory matching set with shell and liner.
This set came from the estate lot of a retired Navy Seal who served from the early 70's through the 90's. Not sure where he came across it or what the story is, but it came from his storage unit. Learn More
Tiger Stripe flight Helmet Bag. This is a great reproduction helmet bag that features two large outside pockets with Velcro and snap closure and two inner slip pockets inside the bag (ideal for sunglasses, spare parts, visors, etc). The bag also features a padded body for helmet protection, carrying handles, hanging clip, two D Rings for a shoulder strap attachment (such as a GP Strap) and a metal zipper. Learn More
This is the replacement suspension for an M1 Helmet Liner made from the early 1970's through the mid 1980's. Helmet liners that use this suspension have round disks inside that the webbing slides overs vs the earlier fixed suspension helmet liners that have a riveted suspension. These are USGI issue and are in unissued condition. Learn More
We found another small batch! This are USGI elastic laces used for both flak jackets and some field jackets. These are sold in a set of two. Each string or lace is approximately 46 inches long and will lace one side of a flak vest. If you have a vest with paracord or that the elastic has dry rotted, this is for you! Unissued condition. Learn More
M-1 Helmet Complete, Reenactor: This helmet features an original steel M-1 helmet shell in G to VG condition with correct Vietnam era chinstraps. Helmet liners are late war to immediate post war in VG+ to EXC condition from the mid 1970's to early 80's. Most of the liners that we use are the earlier style removable that have / had paper labels (many are missing), some are the ink stamped liners from the early 80's. It just depends on availability.
While the liner shells are 70's era, most of the removable suspensions will be 80's dated as we have replaced the used suspensions with unissued webbing so you get a nice, strong, clean suspenion that will work well. Unissed post war nape strap is included and the sweatbands are a mix of DSA and DLA dated USGI in EXC used that have been cleaned and reconditioned or unissued post war dated. Complete with new reproduction Mitchell Cover and elastic helmet band (or USMC Inner tube band).
The perfect reenacting helmet. The only structural difference between this helmet and the other listed below is the liner hardware. A mid 70's / 80's era liner suspension has round hardware (removable suspension) as opposed to the A shaped internal washers (fixed suspension) found in a VN era liner. Once the sweatband is in place, it is difficult to see the suspension hardware. Based on this, it is the perfect reenacting helmet for those on a budget, or for those who do not want to tear up a collectible liner. Learn More
M-1 Helmet Complete, VN: This helmet features an original steel M-1 helmet shell in VG condition with correct unissued 1960's manufactured chinstraps. Helmet liners are Vietnam War period with fixed, riveted suspension. Liners are in VG to EXC used condition and are fully functional. Liner style may vary based on availability, but all are period correct and dated 1974 or earlier with fixed suspension. Sweatband and nape strap are in VG+ to EXC condition and are DSA dated, 1975 or earlier. Complete with new reproduction Mitchell Cover due to availability. Helmet includes elastic helmet band or USMC Inner tube band. Please specify helmet band choice when ordering. Learn More
M-1C Airborne Helmet Complete, Reenactor: This helmet features an original steel M-1 helmet shell in G to VG condition with correct Vietnam era style M1-C Airborne chinstraps (they have the male snaps for the liner). Helmet liners are VG+ to EXC condition post war dated liners from the mid 1970's to mid-1980's. The helmet liners are correct Airborne liners with A-Straps and female press stud snaps to attach to the helmet chinstrap. These have fixed suspensions like 1960's dated liners, only the date stamp is different. Complete with NOS post war nape strap and VG to EXC postwar sweatband. Chin cups are in EXC condition. Helmet includes new repro Mitchell Cover and correct elastic camouflage band. The perfect reenacting or display helmet. The only difference between a 60's dated and postwar helmet is the date in the liner and the fit. The post war ABN liners stick out about 1/4" all the way around compared to 60's era liners. Learn More
M-1C Airborne Helmet, Complete, VN. This helmet features an original steel M-1 helmet shell in EXC condition with correct unissued Vietnam era M1-C Airborne chinstraps (they have the male snaps for the liner). Helmet liners are VG to EXC condition wart time dated liners. The helmet liners are correct Airborne liners with A-Straps and female press stud snaps to attach to the helmet chinstrap. Sweatband and nape strap are VG+ to EXC condition and DSA dated 1975 or earlier. Chin cups are in EXC condition. Helmet includes new repro Mitchell Cover due to availability and correct elastic camouflage band. Learn More
Helmet Liner Nape Strap, 3 Point Buckle, Post War. These are the standard, 3 point nape straps that started use in 1965 and were used through the 1980's. These are DLA / postwar dated (most are early 80's dates). Exactly the same as VN era production. 0.2oz Learn More
