1979 M1 Helmet

Hello I am trying to find a value/information on this vintage helmet I recently got my hands on. I also has what I think is Hebrew writing on the inner liners straps any help is appreciated https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../iKKLpvD-1.jpg https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../Kz5EPWs-1.jpg

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better pic https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../uWiDgDY-1.jpg

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I should also add for value reasons it was probably issued and interestingly there is a very small dent in the helmet so it may have deflected something and saved someones life at some point.

I think we need more pics of the helmet, I have doubts as to whether it's actually an M1 helmet or one made by/for the Israelis. I agree about the print in the sweatband. The straps and bails are definitely not US. More comprehensive pics...?

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../paN7sYb-1.jpg https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../z59Ub5q-1.jpg https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../XiYw8xK-1.jpg thanks, I'm only guessing it was an M1 because it looks like one to my untrained eyes, this was found in Akron, Ohio.

I still think that's an Israeli version and was never an M1. It has the chinstrap loop at the back also, which is typical of their helmets. Three loops...the chinstrap is NOT US made. The pics are not very clear, you'd need to set it down in the daylight and take it apart. You'd need several different angles and all parts visible, I think it's an Israeli made and owned helmet though.

Copied from the US M1 this helmet has had a three point chinstrap fitted, identical to that of the British Airborne helmets and an Israeli made liner, also copied from the US M1. The IDF often used a burlap cover or netting with a piece of tire tube as a helmet band.

Correct the writing is Hebrew, the Israeli Defense Forces also used US mfg M1 helmets, they can often be found with a mixture of US and Israeli made parts.

These saw action in the Arab Israeli Wars, Six Day War, Yom Kippur war, Lebanon civil war [Beirut]

they currently retail for around $40

https://www.libertytreecollectors.co...&idcategory=93

Thanks! seems like this case is closed, a little disappointed on the value but its more than what I paid for it and I think I will keep it for myself with it having such a low value.

Make no mistake, it's a nice piece to have. I haven't seen one in ages. Those are a bit scarce around here...

These are different from a Nam M1 how?

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Originally Posted by MikieG

These are different from a Nam M1 how?

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Take a look at the two helmets side by side and you'll see...and I think the outside size is smaller for this one.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MikieG

These are different from a Nam M1 how?

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the only real difference between the Israeli M1 and a US issue Vietnam M1 is the type of chin straps used

the IDF version has the British style para 3 point straps, and the US issue has the standard ground troops chin strap with only two loops

the Israelis also converted some US shells by adding the 3 point attachments

So this could be a good candidate for a Nam TA50 collection? Maybe a guy could change the strap over to the proper one?

The helmet originally pictured has the correct strap but looks to have been cut.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MikieG

So this could be a good candidate for a Nam TA50 collection? Maybe a guy could change the strap over to the proper one?

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no, it wouldnt work, notice the Israeli helmet on the left, the chin strap loop with sliding buckle is totally different and also too far forward because it's designed for the 3 point straps

the Vietnam helmet on the right has the chin strap loops farther back and has a standard swivel loop for the original Vietnam US style chin straps to attach, the US helmet also appears to be a little bit taller / bigger in comparison the the Israeli model.

it would be a lot easier just to buy a US mfg Vietnam era steel M1 helmet.

And if you do a side by side comparison, I think the Israeli is smaller outside than the US M1. Maybe BOLO could confirm...? The strap on the helmet is correct but cut. You'd need to rebuild it using parts of it. The US strap is not going to work.

Why try to make it into something which it isn't? It's an interesting helmet with its own place in history.