
An Interesting Altered M-1 Flak Helmet
#1
Posted 21 January 2013 - 06:40 PM
#3
Posted 21 January 2013 - 06:53 PM
Best Regards
Zeke
#4
Posted 21 January 2013 - 07:37 PM
Very nice!!
Troy
#5
Posted 21 January 2013 - 09:15 PM
Ronnie
#6
Posted 22 January 2013 - 06:04 AM
I think this was modified by cutting and welding this onto the helmet. I can't see how this could be hammered.
Ronnie
I've had this helmet in-hand, and it's definitely not welded.
#7
Posted 22 January 2013 - 06:20 AM
#8
Posted 22 January 2013 - 08:01 PM
These were not welded, the industrious ground crews developed a screw tool and die for doing this to the M-1. These are as rare and as sought after as the flip bill photographers M-1. This is one of three helmets on my very short list of must have in my collection someday. Worth every penny of whatever you paid Dan!
Can you tell us what was meant to be worn under this kind of modified shell? and who used it?
Troy
#9
Posted 23 January 2013 - 06:04 AM
Can you tell us what was meant to be worn under this kind of modified shell? and who used it?
Troy
These were worn over the flight helmet and earphones. There are a lot of variations, since they were all field expedients. Some have half-moon cutouts and some have rounded bumps as Third Herd noted above. There's one in Reynosa's M1 book which has had a flight helmet permantently attached to it.
They were used by bomber crewmen before the m3 came into service in 1943.
#10
Posted 23 January 2013 - 06:24 AM
Edited by Sabrejet, 23 January 2013 - 06:28 AM.
#11
Posted 25 January 2013 - 01:15 PM
Larry
#14
Posted 11 March 2016 - 11:01 AM
Really great find Daniel. I've never seen another like it. I spoke with the son of a pilot who was in the 91st BG. He said his dad only occasionally talked about his experiences. He was on 26 missions. His dad would always find it funny when pilots were portrayed wearing crusher caps. He told his son after the first raid he went on over Europe, he and everyone of his crew acquired M1 helmets and wore those on every single mission they flew following. From what he said, apparently he never saw any of the flak helmets / vests during his time overseas. He just had a standard issue M1.
Cat thanks for taking the time to find that article, too. It was a good read. Interesting to see the modified a hawley liner. Anyone know any reason they refer to it as a "summer liner"?
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