GERMANY - BRD
First version. It is the first German-designed Bundeswehr helmet, a 10-lobed leather liner fixed by four external rivets, with two more external rivets for the chinstrap.
Liners and liner fixing methods changed over time. Later models had a central rivet at the crown. Para models had liners bolted in as on German WW2 para helmets, with leather chinstraps almost identical to the WW2 para helmet.
This basic shell was used for all other Bundeswehr helmets, including paratroop, until the introduction of the Kevlar helmet.
Later models had virtually identical shells, except there were no side rivets for the liner, just one at the crown of the shell.
Chinstrap fasteners also changed with later models, and some models had a three-point chinstrap.
GERMANY M62 - chinstrap detail
This example is identical to the M62 above, including the three-point attachment lugs on the shell, but has a simple elastic chinstrap. Was this a standard fitting or a 'field replacement'? This strap actually looks like a British Mk4/5 strap to me!
The shell is identical in principle
to the M62, but with the
addition of the classic Para bolts
for the liner.
There is NOT a central rivet for
the liner at the top of the
helmet.
The liner is similar to the M62,
with the additon of a diagonally-crossed
moulded rubber strap between the leather
liner and the shell, and
a single cloth strap across the body
of the helmet beneath that.
The horrible green substance on
the liner is some kind of paint
or rubber solution spilled on by a
careless person before it came
into my hands. I can't get it off!
Four bolts hold the liner and chinstrap,
two at the back, one
each side.
Does this helmet have a specific numerical designation? I'm not
clear about this.
Information please!
GERMANY/BRD PARA - chinstrap detail
This looks to me very like the original M38 Para chinstrap. I haven't seen on by eye, so that's a supposition.
It's just another typical 1980s designed ballistic plastic helmet! -
GERMANY M826 KEVLAR - liner detail 1
- but with a weirdly complicated plastic liner assembly, which has defied my efforts to dismantle without damaging it.
