|
WWII British Paratrooper Helmet -
This is the type of helmet worn during the North African campaign. The helmet is basically identical
to a regular M-17 model but the paint is a mixture of OD and tan colors. In addition, these type of
configuration is often seen with sand texture to the paint.
The liner consists of a black, rubberized material. Complete with a crown pad and a cotton chin strap.
The following is a correction submitted by one of our visitors :
"
I am certain that is not a genuine British mk2 para helmet, it is a British
Armored corps helmet converted to a para helmet. Now this could either be a
'fake' or, a longer shot, it could have been one of the conversions done postwar
by the Canadian military. We'd need to investigate more thoroughly for a
definite on that, but the shell is most certainly a British Armored troops
mk2.
"
|
Most modern military helmets saw their birth during World War One. The need to address the
multitude of head wounds in the trenches was the foundation for the widespread development
and deployment of helmets.
This section discusses several of the military helmets of the world.
The helmets from various armies came in a variety of designs. There were a large number
of different types developed. In many cases the use of the spilled over into non-military
applications such as police and civil defense. most of the helmets during WWI and WWII were
constructed of a combination of metal and leather.
|
|
The chinstrap is made of canvis. A leather cup is secured towards the center of the strap
as a means to secure the helmet more tightly to the soldier's head. This is very helpful
when facing the forces of wind caused by jumping from the aircraft.
The ends of every strap are capped with a crimped metal tip. This avoid fraying and makes
it easier to thread the end through a buckle. The following photo illustrates how the helmet
looks when it is completly secured.
The suspension system consists of a multi-layer set of materials. An aluminum band is riveted to
the body of the helmet and secures the whole structure. A thick layer of foam follows. Ideal for
absorbing shock produced by hitting the helmet against a surface. This is very similar to the
design employed by the German paratroopers.
All the straps of the suspension are made of khaki colored canvis.
The top of the suspension system is looped together with a shoe string. A rubber crown is
added to further protect the head from hitting the metal body of the helmet.
The author is not aware that this type of headgear is currently being
reproduced.
However, there is no guarantee that it is not. in many cases
it is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because
the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with
the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this headgear.
Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of
the collectible.
If you have an interest is seeing other British military helmets, you can do so by
going to our British Military headgear
identification guide. Where we cover multiple pieces.
| 
