Iraqi M80 Helmet Desert Storm Bringback

[Aragorn243]

I've had a busy couple of days, Japanese Hoten Bayonet, Berdan Rifle and this helmet. Came to the conclusion that since I collect this stuff I should actually have some from the war I was actually involved with. I never really thought about bringing stuff back so my souvenirs are more like normal things, a rug, postcards, an official Koran, Desert Storm toilet paper, stuff like that. I did bring back two articles of Iraqi uniforms. A shirt and a pair of pants. They are mismatched and in rough shape. They did not take very good care of their soldiers. Seams are torn out all over both of them and they have hand sewn repairs that aren't holding up well.

Anyway, decided on a helmet search and after losing three auctions for tan painted ones, acquired this near mint example, complete with bring back papers. Didn't realize this would need them but in any case, they exist. This is little more than a thicker US old style helmet liner. These were produced by South Korea and is called the M80. I can't see how this would protect the wearer from much more than dirt falling down from a nearby blast. It's made from the same material as the helmet liners. The much vaunted "largest" army in the world wasn't very well equipped.

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[browningautorifle]

Perfect...thick like a "Hawley" and would be nice and light. Not more than a construction hardhat though, looks don't make for protection. Another example of not caring for your soldiers.

[Aragorn243]

I already had someone try to buy this off of me. I woke up this morning with an offer on my phone. I was a little sleepy and I x'ed out of it and can't find it again. I know it came off my facebook page. I'm sure in my description I had just said I just got it and why I wanted it. Weird.

[martin08]

Nice shape. Mine was painted tan, and then black. The suspension and liner were also replaced with a full leather rig. Agreed, they are kind of lightweight and would not take a hit well from anything traveling faster than a football player.

I also have the Darth Vader helmet which did take a hit from something, and it is pretty well compromised. I doubt the wearer fared very well.

[Aragorn243]

Nice. I bet that's worth a pretty penny.

[browningautorifle]

I also have the Darth Vader helmet which did take a hit from something

How about a look at those two since we're on the subject?

[martin08]

How about a look at those two since we're on the subject?

Good idea!

Here is the M80. As already described, it really is not much more than our kevlar US helmet liners.







And the Fedayeen Guard (Darth Vader) helmet is actually more flimsy than the M80.

This one looks like it took a full frontal blast, and did not hold up well.

[martin08]

But my favorite bringback from The Sandbox is a little more substantial.

[browningautorifle]

I wouldn't want that Darth Vader for anything except a penetration demonstration. I doubt the M80 is even NEAR the durability of the kevlar helmets...but might actually be comfortable because of light weight. When the low velocity crap started flying you'd never know it took the top of your head off anyway. Nice little Makarov...nice little carry piece. You could sure do worse.

[dodge15]

Great looking Mak! It would be my favorite too.